Finding Jenua (2011) User Reviews

Don't waste your time

[angeleno34 · 3/10 · 3 May 2011]

Don't waste your time. This is an unbelievable one-paragraph plot padded to a ponderous hour plus. Here's the paragraph (spoiler warning):

A young woman drives into a tiny town and attaches herself to an old lady who is losing her memory. Using conveniently-available diaries she pretends to be a granddaughter while stealing money and jewels and waiting for a lackadaisical repairman to fix her car. Meanwhile a mother's boy has a one-hour, one-night stand with her and starts yearning to leave town with her, but fails. The old lady dies as the young woman realizes she had begun to love her; she leaves when her car is trivially repaired, then returns to add her house to everything else that she has stolen.

The actress who plays the old lady does a fine job with her range-limited role, but unfortunately she cannot carry the film. (seen at the 2011 Newport Beach Filmfest)

A must see!!!

[odogmusic · 10/10 · 5 December 2011]

I saw this film at a film festival recently and loved it. I can't compliment this movie enough to do it justice, so i recommend seeing it when you get the chance. This story is touching, heartbreaking, humorous, and very well written. I was completely drawn in by it's well developed characters and beautiful direction. The dialogue is so natural and organic that i felt many times as if i were actually sitting in the scenes listening to real conversations. As the young girl in the film evolves with her love for the older woman so did mine. Keep an eye on this Director/Writer because i think we are going to see some outstanding work coming from her in the future. The song in the end title was perfect for the film and really bookended the piece nicely. Cheers to the cast and crew!!!

Beautiful and moving

[ponaramona · 10/10 · 30 November 2011]

Finding Jenua is a touching work of art that tells the story of one woman's descent into memory loss and another's new found connection to the world and people around her. This film gently shows how relationships bloom out of the unlikeliest places. Mixing humor with human sadness, the characters are well-fleshed out and easily draw you into their own worlds. You want to go on the journey with them and the filmmaker takes you there, guiding you through the pitfalls of the characters' lives while letting you know, it's OK to be human, even if one if very frail. Both lead actresses are mesmerizing, so different and yet their chemistry is palpable. When they are on screen together, I found I could not look away. The subject matter is so relevant and anyone who has an elderly grandparent or relative in their lives can relate. With all the terribly written and overproduced drivel out there, Finding Jenua is a refreshing piece of work by a new and exciting filmmaker.

A Truly Touching Film

[tpv-455-882858 · 10/10 · 21 August 2012]

Allison Mason does a wonderful job of telling the story, adeptly weaving the past and present in a way that makes each character's story unfold seamlessly and glues you to the screen. I was particularly taken by Gayle James' "Edie" who says little ( e.g. to Cal -- "You talk to much.") when she speaks aloud, but communicates loudly with her eyes and expressions. Leigh Rose is superb as well. She creates just enough dissonance in her character to make you a bit uneasy, but manages to become endearing before the film ends. It is a truly touching film of love & loss ( of both relationship and memory; survival & strength; and of character and compassion.