Victoria Negri's partially autobiographical narrative feature film debut, "Gold Star," is an honest, artful, and nuanced portrayal of how the illness and loss of a much older parent impacts a young Juilliard dropout's self-perception, identity, and ability to connect with those around her. Negri plays Vicki, who initially wants nothing more than to continue her life in New York City with her boyfriend. She resents the set of circumstances that requires her to move home to Connecticut to become the primary caregiver to her elderly father who has suffered a stroke, is confined to a wheelchair, and has lost his ability to speak. The father is masterfully played by Oscar-nominated actor Robert Vaughn (The Young Philadelphians, The Magnificent Seven) appearing in his final film role before his death.
Negri's raw scenes skillfully portray Vicki's alienation from her father and her exasperation at not understanding what he needs. Assuming the responsibility of being a caregiver does not come naturally for her, causing her to question not only how her parents raised her, but also whether she could be a good wife and mother in the future. However, amidst the tense complexities of family dynamics, the journey home moves Vicki out of her paralyzing self-absorption and discontent, and allows her to see and understand the importance of compassion and the responsibility that adult children have toward aging parents. The film's artful cinematography, polished direction and editing, together with moments of humorous relief add special texture and human warmth to the film. Vaughn's performance is remarkable in that he speaks no audible lines in the entire film, instead "voicing" everything through his powerfully expressive eyes. Vicki's revealing conversations with her new friend and prospective love interest, Chris (Jacob Heimer) complement the silent "speaking" of her father.
Thematically, "Gold Star" traces how Vicki, new to adult life, realizes that she has more in common with her father in the last stage of his than she could have ever imagined. By learning how to care for and communicate with her father, she in turn, comes to a mature appreciation of relationships that are healthy, and finds the courage to end those that are not. "Gold Star," with its well-crafted script, notable performances, and thoughtful filmmaking, poignantly entertains, moves, and engages the audience from beginning to end.
26 June 2017 Jennifer Emily Fiore (United States)
Negri's raw scenes skillfully portray Vicki's alienation from her father and her exasperation at not understanding what he needs. Assuming the responsibility of being a caregiver does not come naturally for her, causing her to question not only how her parents raised her, but also whether she could be a good wife and mother in the future. However, amidst the tense complexities of family dynamics, the journey home moves Vicki out of her paralyzing self-absorption and discontent, and allows her to see and understand the importance of compassion and the responsibility that adult children have toward aging parents. The film's artful cinematography, polished direction and editing, together with moments of humorous relief add special texture and human warmth to the film. Vaughn's performance is remarkable in that he speaks no audible lines in the entire film, instead "voicing" everything through his powerfully expressive eyes. Vicki's revealing conversations with her new friend and prospective love interest, Chris (Jacob Heimer) complement the silent "speaking" of her father.
Thematically, "Gold Star" traces how Vicki, new to adult life, realizes that she has more in common with her father in the last stage of his than she could have ever imagined. By learning how to care for and communicate with her father, she in turn, comes to a mature appreciation of relationships that are healthy, and finds the courage to end those that are not. "Gold Star," with its well-crafted script, notable performances, and thoughtful filmmaking, poignantly entertains, moves, and engages the audience from beginning to end.
26 June 2017 Jennifer Emily Fiore (United States)
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