An American family drama; A story about a young girl whotravels across the USA to find out about her mother's past. This is a film to be regarded for the excellent individual performances and much less for the plot which is not very realistic or plausible for many reasons, but there is flair and style in the way it is told. The actress playing the precocious child captures the conflict within a child who feels responsible for her autistic mother more than she might be emotionally equipped to process or handle. But, it is the portrayal of Mama, the mother, where the issue lies. By lacking agency, she does not, as a character, serve the plot, which confines the character to the fringes when it ought not. The result is a false feeling and sadly convenient for the story. The story does not become mawkish or cloying really, it is a family film with a good heart, but the ending feels very convenient too and something of a neat line under the issues the young girl would face.
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shakercoola22 July 2018
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mitch1989-95-85744515 January 2018This is an enjoyable movie. An easy watch. It is not profound or life changing and you'll likely forget about in a couple of months, but if you're looking to pass some time on a Sunday afternoon, it'll do.
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My wife and I watched this movie in March 2018 at home on DVD from our public library, I repeated the viewing in January 2020. Yes, it is a real gem of a movie.
We find out the girl is 12, she lives in Reno with her mother and an agoraphobic woman in the adjacent apartment. How? Well when the girl was only 7 days old and the mother clearly distraught, the woman next door punched out a couple of panels that enabled them to have a door between the two living spaces. The mother, whose named seemed to be So B. It, was severely disabled, only spoke a few words, and certain events would make her get out of control. Clearly not able to be an adequate mother. How did all this come about? That in fact is the heart of the movie.
Heidi is the 12-yr-old girl, played by Talitha Bateman. She is very bright and capable and as she has become aware of her unusual situation in life started to ask questions about where she came from. Then the break comes when they find a old canister of exposed but undeveloped 35mm color film. The photos lead her to a small community in upstate New York and a home for disabled adults.
All the actors are good but the impact of movie depends on young Talitha Bateman and she carries it very well. Unusually well. This is a good movie of a good, heartwarming story. -
docm-3230415 December 2020I really liked this film. The acting was spot on and I looked for a technical advisor credit but there wasn't one in the credits, so somebody in the cast, or director really did their homework. As a person who has worked closely for years with people with mental challenges, I found the movie very accurate and credible. IA great watch for anyone with a heart.
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haydenvioletlee17 December 2017This was really moving and an excellent movie. The characters are very believable and suited themselves well. The story of the girl and her search for her family history is truly touching, and the girl especially is, in my opinion, a good example of excellent acting and character. Overall, I think I would recommend this movie to anyone.
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westsideschl21 January 2018Well, it had potential, but only for those who need a pollyannish, feel good, everything turns out all right, comforting story to make their day. Real world, unfortunately needs a bit of help. Anyway, well acted although not much required. Major problems for those who are not intimate with the story is our young heroine has the God given ability to cheat at slot machines; mysteriously count beans in a jar along with other similar mysterious "gifts" that might have made a better story if used for humanity, etc. Also sex by institutionalized severe/profound disabled patients in a care facility in our state would have serious repercussions, but in this story is swept under the rug. Awkward editing; poor audio control; at times poor enunciation; combined with cost saving no subtitles made it difficult to follow what is important to the story - the dialogue.
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kashidomar19 October 2017what an impossible journey of life of this little girl. This girl is hardly adolescent but her mental strength and future reading ability is undoubtedly above question. The way she took the path for the search of her past is really special. Not much movie now a days provides this type of agenda relating the emotional search operation by a little girl rather they are devoid of these small corners of mind. This is where this movie stands a bit different. It is a pure family drama , a bit separated from the current tradition by its soft sweet steps of life.
I am very much impressed with the girl..who is the main character of the film. she is so pretty and the character suited her so well that it was impossible to separate her from it. She was spontaneous , Fluent and very much clever to create a really enjoyable drama of her so called little journeys. She was impressive in roads, in buses and trains, in unknown areas, with peoples whom she is not familiar with. But she always finds a way to be in the right direction of her destination. She has such a strong will that she cannot be detached from the path.
So be the part of it...Stays till the end to see what happens to her. Is she able to find out what she was looking for??? Is she able to get the answers of her questions???..Wait and see where she takes you. Don't be afraid..She can do no wrong..... -
anishaboany22 December 2020Was an interesting journey, amazing acting by all and a well executed script.I think In a single word il say its refreshing.