You're Not There

An Indy gem with lead and supporting performances beautifully crafted and directed by S. J. Creazzo. Two grad students researching psychoactive drugs feel a strong attraction to each other- but what appears to be fodder for a NYC romcom deftly morphs into an exploration of their shockingly traumatized pasts. Slowly overcoming their reluctance to share their pain and vulnerability, their backstories are told in flashbacks. Supporting roles are handled with just the right vibe. Check out the song over the closing credits, an original by producer Justy Kosek, sung by the Gospel and R&B great Carol Dennis-Dylan.

This is a really gorgeous movie. Despite the small cast and small budget, the writing and acting are on par with any of the A24 or other triple-A movies coming out of Hollywood right now. It's easy to sensationalize subject material like this, but the writing and direction treat the trauma of the lead characters with care. I found myself crying more than once. I know IMDb has to 'tag' movies with genres but I think it's hard to categorize this as just a "drama" or a "romance," the story is unfolded so carefully that it almost feels like watching a mystery; there are some funny moments too. Can't recommend this little hidden gem of a film enough.