Loving Annabelle (2006) User Reviews (97)

Sometimes Love does not Conquer All.

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 25 November 2013]

Loving Annabelle is a film that seems to polarize viewers into two camps (see the comments on this site)--those who see it as a love story between two consenting individuals, and those who see it as a story about "stalking" and "immorality". If the primary purpose of the director was to force viewers to confront their feelings about an emotionally charged topic, then well done.

I liked the film except for the ending, which is not to say that the ending ruined the film for me. Throughout the film I thought the action was leading down a fairly predictable path, but I liked the writing because in many ways it avoids the obvious clichés.

The story takes place in a Catholic school--certainly one of the most repressed and structured environments. And the school environment takes place within the framework of American law, with all its legal restrictions. The story is set up so that a conflict must arise--legally, if not otherwise. The story reminds us that the law is unbending and unforgiving--without regard to intention or feelings, whereas humans are emotional and sometimes place love above all other considerations.

The titular role of Annabelle was very strongly played. Other roles were portrayed well, though the action was very centered on Annabelle, the student, and Simone, the teacher.

I also thought that music was used very well in this production. It did not overpower, but aided the mood in the scenes.

"Maedchen in Uniform" in 2006

[Red-125 · 7/10 · 8 October 2006]

"Loving Annabelle" (2006), co-written and directed by Katherine Brooks, is an attractive film with attractive leads. Basically it's a love story between a student at a Catholic school and her female teacher.

The basic concept of the movie is forbidden love. In this case, the love is forbidden for two reasons--it's lesbian and it's between a student and a teacher. That's the basic plot, and everything else in the film revolves around that.

I just reviewed "Sevigne," a movie about a developing relationship between two women. That film was subtle and nuanced. In my opinion, "Loving Annabelle" is neither. It's fairly predictable from the opening scene. A young woman arrives at a Catholic boarding school under heavy escort. It's obvious that she's not happy to be there, and will defy school authority. Then we see her in class with Simone, a beautiful, intelligent woman teacher. The rest of the plot pretty well follows from that. A weak point is that Simone's boy friend, the third corner of the triangle, is obviously far below Simone's level in every respect--there's no real dramatic tension between her feelings for him and her feelings for Annabelle.

The leads are extremely attractive. (Erin Kelly as Annabelle looks like a young Jane Fonda.) Diane Gaidry as Simone looked right for the part and acted it well. Ms. Gaidry was gracious enough to come to the screening of the movie, which played at ImageOut, the Rochester Gay and Lesbian film festival

Finally, in Rochester, almost the entire audience consisted of lesbian couples. It's sad that heterosexuals in Rochester are not perceptive enough to realize that a film about a lesbian relationship can appeal to viewers of all sexual orientations.

more like "kinda liking" annabelle

[levingem · 5/10 · 11 December 2006]

I'll begin this review by saying I didn't dislike this film. It was well acted, and looked very very good for an independent film. I guess I just felt like I knew everything that was going to happen before it did. At the beginning of the movie, the scenes seemed very trite and underdeveloped; after a few lines of dialogue and a couple of cuts, we're abruptly taken away to the next part of the story. Because of this rushed feeling to the movie, I never got to know the supporting characters, who had plenty of potential for further development.

The one thing I find redeeming about this film is the tension that builds between the two leads. The filmmaker does a good job of teasing the audience time and time again, to the point where I just gave up any hope of them getting together. She successfully took the film to a point where she could take one of two routes: they end up together, or they never take that chance. The choice she makes works for the tone of the film, even if the ending is a tad abrupt.

All in all, the filmmaker definitely has talent, I just wish there was less ambiguity in the narrative and more character development.

Not bad, but not a classic

[bad_heather · 7/10 · 9 March 2006]

I saw this movie at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, and it was one of the highlights of the Festival. However, that isn't saying much - it was one of the worst festivals I can remember. But I digress - the film. It's got excellent production values, a story that makes sense and reasonable character development - which already puts it way in front of most lesbian movies out there. They did an excellent job of establishing that it wasn't a case of an older women with power preying on a young innocent. It also has a fantastic sex scene. However, it is otherwise full of boring lesbian-angst moments and the ending is - well, I've probably said enough already. But don't expect a happy one. See it, but keep your expectations realistic.

Wish I Could've Gotten to See More of the Movie

[carysp-46533 · 6/10 · 15 June 2023]

This movie wasn't terrible but the storyline went on forever. It was obvious that this movie was about a teacher (Simone) and her student (Annabelle) and them coming to terms with their sexuality. We could see some chemistry between the two. At the end, they have sex. Finally getting to show each other how they truly feel. They end up being caught and the movie ends with Simone being taken away and the two are left alone. We never get to know what happens with the two afterwards. It just abruptly ends. I just wish I could've seen more of what happened with the two. I also wish that this story could've had more discussion of LGBTQ+

Notes on a Scandal this is not

[siderite · 6/10 · 21 May 2007]

Whoever marked this film close to 7 must have been gay. And I am serious here. As movies go, neither the acting nor the plot made any sense. It felt like a student movie about lesbian relationships in catholic schools. I am not saying that the acting was bad, it just didn't add up. And the plot is ludicrous.

I understand this type of movie making when you are talking documentaries or biographies or films based on real events. There you can't really make an interesting and captivating story because you have to stick to history, but not here, especially when the main story is the love between a literature teacher and her student in a classy and expensive private school. One just expects more subtlety, a more elaborate plot, some sort of moral.

Bottom line: one just gets bored watching it. The only way you could possibly enjoy this is if the film relates to a personal story of a similar category, like a crush on a teacher or some forbidden girl love episode. If this film meant something for the movie maker, it certainly did not manage to relay the same feelings to the viewer.

Am I the only one?

[aquaphoenix · 1/10 · 16 February 2007]

After hearing rave reviews of Loving Annabelle, I rented the film without realizing the plot involved a teacher and an under-aged teenage girl. I thought the story was between a teacher and a college student, in other words between two consenting adults. True, this film is fiction. Yes, these situations happen. It is not enjoyable watching an adult take sexual advantage over a child. I watched the film hoping for redemptive quality; instead, I stopped the film when they kissed passionately because it was evident that the plot progressed beyond the point of no return. That was not a scene between two consenting adults, rather between a teenage girl and an adult woman. Am I the only one who was deeply disturbed by the lack of responsibility of the teacher in the film?

Like most young teenage lesbians, I had huge crushes on teachers, camp counselors and Girl Scout leaders. To their credit, they never crossed that boundary between teacher and student. Over the past 20 years, working as teachers at various camps, I have experienced crushes from blossoming baby dykes. As the adult in the situation, I have tremendous obligation as a teacher, role model and a sister to these young women, not to take advantage of the situation. Yes, egos are stroked with adoration, but it's never appropriate to reciprocate the feelings. Mentors are looked up to and entrusted with inmost secrets, feelings and thoughts. It is not an opportunity to exploit, but to lead and guide. It is never acceptable simply because the student makes the first move.

If the teacher in the film were instead a man, would perceptions and opinions of the film be different? I draw the line with entertainment that includes adult and under-aged sex even when it's packaged as a lesbian love story. In this world of perceived animosity toward gays and lesbians as pedophiles and promiscuous, films such as this perpetuate the myth that gays and lesbians cannot control their passions, and as such do a great disservice to us all.

Two thumbs down for me.

To Love or Not To Love.....

[gmonta38 · 10/10 · 26 December 2006]

I'm a woman, straight...{not sure straight or lesbian should have any bearing} but, I found the love scene very arousing and tender! I agree that the intimacy and conflict that the two shared together building up to that moment was what help make that experience so soft and sensual. The struggle you could feel that Simone had with her feelings for Annabelle and then the decision she made to give into those feelings at that moment made my heart ache for her. Putting aside the inner struggle Simone was fighting of wanting to show her love for Annabelle along with the conflict of the student, teacher, relationship that would definitely have legal ramifications, who would want to have to face the grave consequences of making such a professional and moral choice...which struggle only added to the intensity of all the feeling that was unleashed during the consummation and sharing of their deep feelings of love and intimacy one for the other.

It all made me start to think about what it is to really love someone. Not based on gender or orientation, but genuine love for a person for who they are and what they bring out in you as an individual by having a connection with them. I know this is considered a "Lesbian" film,{if you are into labels} but, I can't help but think that there are many individuals who struggle with their connections with others in their intimate relationships, not because they may be "Straight or Lesbian", but because they do not connect on a resonating level of intimacy with the individual with whom they are wanting or trying to connect with. Such as Simone with Michael. Seems she wanted it to work, but it just wasn't there. Does it mean she is a Lesbian because she has loved another woman previously? I don't know...sometimes I'm not sure we get to choose when and who we will connect with on those deeper levels of love. The movie does not suggest that Annabelle has not had male partners before as well. In fact, it kind of leads us to believe she has. I think that this is a great movie that shows we can't always determine who it is we may be drawn toward to resonate on deeper levels of love and intimacy. The movie made me think of the opportunities I may have missed by not being open to nurturing the love I have felt for various individuals, male or female and the individual growth and possibilities that are lost because of not following those loving, tender feelings.

I think all women should see it. Maybe we are all missing some great connections with others because of our fear of being open to love just for the sake of being loving! I'm sure each one of us at some point in our life has experienced on some level the struggles that Simone and Annabelle respectfully face. Not the moral or professional dilemma, but of whether to love or not to love....that truly is the question... isn't it?

Powerfully done, but still a bit lame

[jmatrixrenegade · 7/10 · 22 December 2006]

I might not be the main demographic for films of this sort, but do have a thing for "forbidden" love sort of deals where the couple are drawn to each other, even though mores or whatever would say they should not. Thus, same sex romances appeal. I recall, for instance, one with Russell Crowe. Yes him. A good romance is great too, including those that are star-crossed.

This movie has received great laurels by most of the comments here. I can understand why. The romance is nicely and poetically done. Some of the supporting case, especially "Related" co-star Laura Breckenridge, are very good as well. And, the emotions are powerfully expressed, especially the sadness of the teacher (is the picture of her former love not the director herself?).

But, it didn't quite do it for me. The lead seemed something of a caricature, a troublemaker (who really doesn't seem that troublesome, but this can be the case, I guess, but LB seemed a more interesting character really) sees a lovely kind teacher (a bit too much pining), and falls for her ... not willing to say no. Fine enough, but it was rather corny how the teacher tried to hold back, all the reading of Song of My Self (Two Girls In Love flashback) that just screams out "I'm a lesbian!," and just making her it blatantly obvious that the two is a couple. Seemed downright stupid and reckless, which is how love is sometimes, but was stupid. The ending also (there was an alternate on the DVD) seemed like it came out of the 1960s or something. (one time and that?)

I think the story needed a bit more weight. There was enough there, but it could have been better. I think some might have seen the truth there, loved that, but this doesn't mean the movie itself didn't have flaws. The music was a bit much too. OTOH, the commentary was pretty good.

PS I want to add that having watched the commentary track in full, it helps put the movie in additional focus, and might lead one to add a star to the review. But, even the duo -- who are great commenting -- admit various scenes don't quite work. I still find the ending a problem. Not the sad part per se, but the whole authorities angle.

I don't buy it, especially since they would want to avoid controversy plus we are talking about the niece of the person in charge! I guess as well the girl remains a bit to OC/South of Nowhere for my tastes, maybe it's just a matter of taste. The director clearly loved her and she did work pretty well, lol. The short film was okay, and matched the tone of the movie, but it would have been nice (if possible, I guess) if the short film the director did with Erin would have been the one added.

Superficially enjoyable but not believable...

[ditt63 · 4/10 · 2 August 2007]

I want to preface this by saying that I am thrilled that lesbians are being depicted more and more regularly, and less stereotypically, in television and film. On a superficial level, I enjoyed this film—particularly Diane Gaidry's portrayal of the sexually-repressed yet undeniably hot teacher, Simone. But I simply could not believe that Simone would fall for Annabelle who, to me, seemed like a self-important, immature teenage girl who would not be worth the risk of getting involved with. Maybe it's a generational thing—certainly, Erin Kelly is an attractive-enough actor—but there simply was nothing compelling about her character. The script makes cloddy attempts to show that Annabelle has an artist's depth (which we are supposed to conclude from her not-very-insightful interpretation of poetry, her recognition of Simone's photographic skills, and the singularly unremarkable song she apparently wrote and plays for Simone), the compassion of a much more mature person (which we are supposed to conclude from her comforting a classmate who has lost a pet and from her comforting Simone after discovering—by snooping, no less—that the woman Simone loved killed herself), and the courage of her convictions (which we are supposed to conclude from her unwillingness to give up her Buddhist beads). These attempts are unconvincing and inconsistent with Annabelle's overall surly demeanor. If Simone were driven merely by flattery and lust, then the coupling might seem understandable, but the story seems to go out of its way to show that there is a deeper connection between the two, one that drives the poised, thoughtful and otherwise careful Simone to throw caution to the wind and bed down with jail bait when it isn't even clear that she was able to do the same with a woman she knew for years and loved. I had a hard time believing it.

Amazing time with "Annabelle" in San Jose!

[bust_a_rearrangement · 10/10 · 14 March 2006]

After hearing the "buzz" surrounding this movie, I finally got my chance to see Loving Annabelle at its premiere in San Jose this weekend (hooray for my girlfriend for scoring tickets to the sold out show!) I've never written a review before but I really dig this movie, so I will do my best! My initial reaction after watching was....they finally got it right, more specifically, writer Katherine Brooks got it right.

I've never really been a fan of "lesbian" movies because I could never get into the story lines or characters; they've all seemed a bit over the top. The only movie I could actually relate to up until now was "All Over Me" If you haven't seen it...go rent it!! Loving Annabelle is such a straightforward love story that fortunately doesn't involve lesbian circus performers or travelin' hippie painters. It's an amazing, well-written story that I can relate to being the product of Catholic schooling. The best part...the super hot sex scene! Now, now yes it was HOT but I loved it because like the movie, it to was straightforward, passionate, necessary. Thank god there weren't any crazy camera angles, I mean lesbians have sex!! so thank you Katherine Brooks for not showing just a hand run up and down a body...that would have been sooo boring and unrealistic!! I give this movie 2 thumbs way up for giving me something I can relate to, for being such a straightforward story about love, letting go, putting happiness first, etc.

Now as an added bonus, since it was the premiere I was able to nervously chat with writer/director Katherine Brooks and the 2 leads (ALL HOT by the way) and they were all so super cool so it makes the movie that much more enjoyable

a worth watching....

[howcanudodis · 7/10 · 10 October 2013]

i liked the alternate ending..and i wish it could be true...a nicely acted characters made it a real touchy story..i saw it several time minutely repeating each of its scenes..a perfect one. the director has a great sense of judgment power and hence the result is the 'Loving Annabelle'. after the world unseen by shamim sarif this appears to be a great watch...and yes this movie is a great support to the statement that 'LOVE can happen to any one with any one' what matters is the intensity for love...i just loved Simone Bradley perfections....she is awesome with the title girl...Erin Kelly...much they have talked about but everything was in their eyes..the attraction.passion and madness they created is just mind blowing.i think the director can go with the next part of the same movie as it leaves clues with it and do believe again it will click.

Easily one of the worst movies I have ever seen

[destiny-salvatore · 1/10 · 9 April 2007]

My girlfriend talked about wanting to see this movie for months on end and so finally I gave in and got it for her so that we could watch it together.

I had no idea about what it was about until we started watching it.

The plot is going to offend a lot of people. The teacher/student/illegal relationship bothered me and I'm a pretty open-minded person. There wasn't much feeling in it and it came off very unrealistic. It needed to be much more powerful to pull off such a touchy subject.

The acting wasn't the best. The characters were horribly planned out, and I couldn't see any (real) chemistry between the two of them.

Annabelle is your stereotypical "bad girl" that gets sent to a Catholic Boarding school. The stereotype is ridiculously overplayed. I stress that point. In fact it's so bad that you no longer even root for Annabelle's happiness because she becomes such an annoyance. Her behavior was unbelievable. And I was hoping that she would just leave her poor teacher alone.

And why does Simone just let it happen? It's not believable that a woman like Simone would be even mildly interested in Annabelle, much-less risk that much for the stupid little girl. She doesn't even seem to be that interested in her, she seems more like a victim in their "relationship".

The sex scene was probably the only well done thing in the entire movie, but with the rest of the plot, you didn't even want to see them have sex. In fact I was hoping throughout the movie that it wouldn't happen.

At best, this movie was a complete joke. It was hard to take you eyes off of it in a "car crash" sort of way.

If you're gonna watch this movie, I'd recommend borrowing it, not spending the money to rent it or buy it.

Surprisingly solid, more plainspoken, imperfect update to a classic

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 5 September 2021]

The premise immediately recalls the 1931 classic 'Mädchen in uniform,' while the updated, modern setting readily portends a certain amount of low-grade cheese, as so often happens in such cases. Slick, crisp production values, a contemporary soundtrack, and the writing of the chief characters and their interactions all point to an unrepentant, campy lesbian romance. Gratifyingly, all these things are more or less true, and 'Loving Annabelle' is pretty entertaining overall.

It goes without saying that the queer subtext in films of many decades past - 1931, or even 1958 - was so heavily minimized as to be downplayed into nonexistence. Here, filmmaker Katherine Brooks totally dispenses with all pretense. While she lets the romance develop slowly and (relatively) organically, the intent is clear from the outset, and emphasized with every concrete line of dialogue or slight touch, nevermind the eventual realization. To their credit, stars Erin Kelly and Diane Gaidry have great on-screen chemistry, and ably give life to their characters' emotions and conflicts. This is hardly to speak ill of the rest of the cast, either, who I think are just fine.

Brooks surprisingly follows, very loosely, the narrative thrust of 'Annabelle's' source of inspiration. With the actualization of a relationship that's only scarcely suggested in that earlier story, the consequences upon its discovery are also far greater. After all - anyone watching this is here for the lesbian representation, but there's no ignoring the dire impropriety of the central relationship between adult teacher and teenage student. And I'm surprised again that Brooks chooses to end her film on a down note. On the one hand it's refreshing, given how many movies at large rush to resolve the plot and see the audience to the door with an often ham-handed happy ending. But on the other hand, it's depressing, and still more so for the lack of especially well-made features where an LGBTQ romance is allowed to exist, at the conclusion, sans drama.

The technical craft is swell. With especial care of course written into Annabelle and Simone, characters are as mostly complete and well-rounded as they need to be, while still allowing the cast some small room to embody the roles as they will. The narrative absolutely makes use of genre tropes, but like I said - from the very start, any half-aware viewer should already be anticipating a measure of kitsch. The end result is a film that, if imperfect, is an unexpectedly solid update of an old classic. There are things I'd liked to have played out different, but 'Loving Annabelle' is suitably enjoyable, and worth a look if you come across it.

Nice but bad ending

[aydinbekoglu · 7/10 · 17 February 2023]

The film and athmospher was good. The characters are realistic. But I want my gay movie to reach a good conclusion. They did everything right but the director apparently got afraid and made a final scene less than desired.

The interaction between two girls were awesome. The lead actress unfortunately lost her life, but her portrayal of the good teacher is awesome. I myself am not gay, but I always support friends like that. Why is everything gets into homophobia? We live that enough in the real life. Give us something good for ending.

The other lead girl is absolutely charming. I would really like her whatever my identity is. She is so natural. Music is good. Scenes are very well lighted and give the ambience perfectly.

Good yet not so good.

[graciefoster123 · 6/10 · 3 August 2013]

The more times I saw the movie the less impressed I was. The ending is very unlikely; seeing as Catholic schools would have just covered that up. However the relationship is nicely represented. For filming in three weeks this movie is well made. I enjoy the story this film is telling, two women being attracted to one another. The way they kept building up the chemistry and desire was well thought out. The story was interesting enough that I didn't predict the end or get bored with with the film. Erin Kelly did a fabulous job and so did the actresses playing her room mates. Diana Gaidry was alright at the role but could have used more character development.

Throughly disappointed

[cezza10 · 3/10 · 31 December 2006]

I just watched loving Annabelle, and i do not understand how it has been rated so highly. It lacks so much a film should be to make it great. OK its a lesbian film, fantastic there should be more of them, but this is not a good film just because its made by a lesbian for lesbians. The plot is thin and obvious, the acting is good and would of been so much better if there had been something they could work with. I have read lots of things about this film watched interviews and clips about how long it took to make and get realised and finished...i was expecting something more, something good. All i got was the film that is out there....throughly disappointed. Believe me i never comment on the internet on films and stuff because, you know, its peoples choice to like it or not to. But this film has let me down in what it claimed to be, so i had to say something for others to read.

Ceri

classic while modern

[mili_avital · 10/10 · 14 April 2006]

The look of Loving Annabelle is very classic. The 35mm film looks glossy and the colors are crisp. The film LOOKS pretty. The story also has a classic 3-act structure and is very well-written. These traditional aspects are really interesting to note since the subject of the film is rather modern. The "unconventional" love story turns many notions on their heads: student-teacher sexual relations; the possible effects of a Catholic school upbringing or environment on an individual; and same-sex love, if anyone out there is still bigoted enough to take offense to that.

What I liked about the film was that it was character-driven, and not plot-driven. The emotional growth of the characters took center stage to the possibly sensational aspects. I felt carried along the storyline without any forced-ness or jumps in thought. The plot line was smooth, and had enough twists and turns to keep me from knowing what would happen next. I totally identified with the main characters and cared about them (individually) very deeply besides my interest in whether or not they would get together.

The look of the film, the quality of the story, and the TERRIFIC acting (both Annabelle and Simone are perfectly cast) give Loving Annabelle the depth and sheen of a much higher-budget film. (Though the emotional resonance of the story makes talking about budgets almost crass.) The music is also terrific. The soundtrack would be great to listen to as its own entity. This is the film that I've most enjoyed in a long time and have recommended it highly to anyone who will listen to me since I first saw it.

The Lesbian subject matter is not the important aspect of this film – live and let live is

[gregcost · 6/10 · 22 February 2008]

Diversity, Dissimilarity, love, acceptance, freedom = power, control, prejudice, hatred, murder, destruction… our enlightened universe.

The Lesbian subject matter is not the important aspect of this film – live and let live is. We all share the responsibility to create a place of reasonability and understanding. … I do not agree with the author's adult/teenager setting; it is an inappropriate vehicle for exploring what I would call a very important aspect of prejudice in our society.

As far as character examination, motivation and plot the writing seemed a little light and the story just too typical. The acting was fair and I believe the reason for it was simply because there was not enough depth or exploration of events in their lives yielding their motivations; the actors simply did not have enough to act on. We never found out much about Annabelle's life as the rebellious daughter of a US Senator. There seemed to be some sort of history between Simone and the principle. Some additional historical shots of Simone's first relationship would have strengthened the performance … If you compare this screenplay to the likes of the writing employed in JUNO ... well.

In spite of this observation what the author is saying is important and this story must be told and retold in the many forms where prejudices rear their ugly heads until there is no longer a need for it.

I do have one question: the license plates, when Simone was taken away, read GOVERNMENT and not police? FBI, CIA, NSA… since Annabelle was the daughter of a very powerful US Senator will we ever see Simone again?

Not as good as it's hyped up to be.

[wondernat · 5/10 · 14 December 2006]

The synopsis seems intriguing enough, especially when it's complemented by all of the hype surrounding it, compliments of afterellen.com and other trusted queer sites.

However, it was awkward. The lead ladies' interaction was too forced, and the progression of the movie seemed out of place most of the time. I think the plot was very poorly directed, as the crew seemed to be rushing towards their ultimate goal without offering the audience much assistance as to how to reach it with them. The main tension of the movie - that of a student-teacher dynamic - was completely rushed over, and at the end, I didn't sympathize with either Simone nor Annabelle - their romance didn't really make sense to me at all at that point.

All-in-all, I'd say you're not missing much by skipping the movie. Then again, you *must* see what the hype is all about. (then bitch about it later.)

I love this film. It's one of the best lesbian films I have ever seen.

[shevaunhodge · 10/10 · 21 September 2018]

There are a number of reasons why this film is one of my favorites:

1. I really liked the music featured in the film is very different. 2. The two main actresses had such good chemistry and it really showed on screen. 3. The love story gradually built up, making you gripped to the story line. At one point I thought they were not going to get together, so was glad when they eventually did. 4. I really sympathized with Simone's character, and could feel all her frustrations whilst watching the film. She was obviously really unhappy with the man she was with, and he was pressuring her to move in which she clearly didn't want to do. She was obviously very attracted to Annabel, but the fact that it was forbidden, was keeping her from acting on her feelings. Simone was also grieving the loss of her ex girlfriend, and I think the letter in the film indicates that she took her own life. This would obviously make matters even worse. 5. The two main characters are very likeable which makes you want them to get together. If Annabel's character was different I don't think that the film would have been as good. 6. The character of Annabel was played so well Erin Kelly that the Annabel could look at Simone and you could tell exactly what she was thinking. This was especially good during the scenes in the classroom, where Annabelle was looking at Simone really seductively. Simone could obviously sense this, and struggled to ignore it. 7. The other actors all played brilliant parts, and I can't say there was any bad acting in the film. Even though I disliked Catherine's character ,she added a lot to the story line. She eventually was the one who got Annabelle and Simone in trouble. I suppose every film has to have a villain. 8. The kissing scene was done so brilliantly. It's one of my favorite kissing scenes. The rain poring around them, and the way Simone tries to walk away from Annabelle one last time, but Annabelle Grabs her hand, and she can no longer resist her. 9. The sex scene is done so well and is very believable. It is so sexy, and the music in the back ground hugely adds to It. Both actresses were obviously very comfortable with the scene, and a managed to make it just right. 10. The ending is sad, but I think it is right for the film. I have seen an alternative ending ,but it didn't have the same effect as the ending that was chosen. I think the ending says that love over rides all. They loved each other and were willing to take a risk. Love Is not always a happy ending.

Not Bad

[cc0077 · 7/10 · 8 October 2022]

This movie was a mediocre film, the storyline was okay but I think it's the two main characters that made this film special. Although there were a lot of problematic things in their relationship, I believe that the two actresses did a wonderful job of portraying a forbidden relationship. The pace of the movie wasn't bad as well, as it didn't seem too slow or too rushed. However, I think the ending was a bit predictable because of the nature of their relationship. This is a film where I will definitely miss the characters thought, because their acting and relationship was phenomenal I would never forget it easily.

Feel-good movie for lesbian teens

[moabitnik · 2/10 · 4 January 2008]

To faint-hearted US citizens - who tend to pass out or cry havoc at the mere sight of a female nipple - this decidedly tepid tale of a 17-year-old lesbian girl falling in love with her 40-ish teacher and dragging her into bed might have SCANDAL written all over it; to more enlightened people, it's simply shallow and, even at its b-movie running time of 76 minutes, immensely boring. The muddled, underwritten script works strictly on the level of a high-school play, driving home its well-worn messages (true love will find a way to overcome even the greatest obstacles, heterosexual men are selfish bastards and bad in bed to boot) with all the subtlety of a poorly greased jackhammer. And while the acting is okay, some scenes - such as the kissing-in-the-swimming-pool bit - look as cheesy as if they were lifted straight from "The L Word" or a soft-core lesbian sex flick; how director Katherine Brooks managed to hire people like Elizabeth Shue, Will Patton and the ever-magnificent Frances Conroy for her latest effort ("Waking Madison") is beyond me. Finally, the climactic (no pun intended) sex scene is actually very tame and never goes beyond European prime-time TV standards, so, dear kids and guardians of public morals, there's really nothing to worry about.

Contrary to some of the comments here, the film doesn't encourage, let alone propagate "pedophilia" (which generally stands for the sexual abuse of a child, a category a sexually active and aggressive 17-year-old hardly qualifies for in my book) but mostly plays like a chin-up movie for young lesbians about to come out.

Has it's problems, but works a touching story of forbidden love

[The_Void · 7/10 · 28 March 2008]

Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of romance movies; or at least not 'straight' romance movies (meaning films that follow a set structure, not anything regarding sexuality). If I'm going to like a romance movie, it really needs to have a twist; and while this film does follow a set formula and it's always clear where it's going; the fact that the two leads are female, as well as the fact that their romance is forbidden due to their 'professional' relationship and not to mention the religious themes means that director Katherine Brooks' debut feature has just about enough to distance itself from the mainstream. The film takes place in a Catholic school and the story begins with the arrival of new student Annabelle. She makes it clear soon enough that she's not happy to merely fit in with the rest of the girls and soon she focuses her attention on sexy older woman and teacher Simone Bradley. Once it becomes clear that they have chemistry, the younger girl then proceeds to pursue the older until the inevitable dramatic conclusion.

I cant say that this film is perfect; a plot like this is always going to rely a lot on coincidence and the way that the characters are laid out is not particularly inventive and the role each of the main players is going to play is as obvious as where the plot is going from the outset. In spite of this, however, Loving Annabelle works as both a slice of light entertainment and a touching love story. The writer/director seems keen to try and make a point out of the story and largely does succeed in getting us behind the main characters to get what she wants to say across. That's not to say that the film is particularly life-affirming, however. The director has a history of directing stuff for MTV, so unsurprisingly this film is a rather glossy affair, although it is well acted and well directed with lead actresses Erin Kelly and Diane Gaidry making an impression. I'm probably not the only straight male who went into this film hoping for some steamy lesbian sex, and while we are made to wait for it and the 'pay off' is over rather quickly; the lesbian sex scene is skilfully shot and works well within the context of the movie. Loving Annabelle is an impressive debut overall and while it probably will not ever have mass market appeal; if you have a mind to seek it out, you probably won't leave disappointed.

I think you're trying to get a rise out of me.

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 1 March 2008]

I don't look at this as a lesbian film, although it is, but as a film about love.

The entire movie was a set up to the last 10 minutes. You could see the magic between Annabelle (Erin Kelly) and Simone (Diane Gaidry). Even though Simone fought it because of her position, it was apparent that it was going to be a losing battle, as Annabelle was just too strong and too convinced that her feeling were the real thing.

Love. Everything else we do in life is just a prelude to finding it. Some never do. When it happens, nothing else matters.

This was a beautiful film.