So, let's begin with how I found this film. I was looking for some indie / unknown hidden sci- fi movie. And I was specifically looking for one with high critic ratings. So I came across this film and was intrigued by the huge divide between the critics and the audience. (Rotten Tomatoes: 87% vs 46%. Metacritic: 74 vs 4.3, IMDb: 5.3)
At this time that I am writing this review, I have seen this film twice. And my first and second viewing was kinda different.
First of all, don't expect a Horror thriller, even though there are some horror elements and good jumpscares, this movie is fundamentally a Sci-Fi Psychological Drama.
On my first viewing, I thought the first half of this movie was kinda boring. I appreciated the cinematography, but I was just hoping something more interesting to happen. However, the moment animated sequence happened and the film became more obscure and weird, I started to like it a lot more. And the ending was kinda beautiful and emotional. So the movie ultimately gave me a good impression, and I rated it 7/10.
In hopes of interpreting this movie, I saw this movie about a month and half later.
The boring first half was surprisingly more investing than my first viewing. However as the film moved towards the third act and ending. I sometimes got bored, which was the exact opposite of my first viewing experience. And I honestly didnt feel strong emotions on my second viewing.. so I rated a 6/10.
Before U read my interpretation, I HIGHLY recommend the IMDb trivia page of this movie. There are a lot of my points written, and also something that I didn't Catch! A LOT of interesting stuff their.
💥So My interpretation.💥
So in the beginning of the film, we learn that this is based on a true story. And according to Writer/Director A. T. White's IMDb page, every cent he makes from this movie will be donated to Cancer Research. So we can infer he lost someone close to cancer. Also, in the first act of the film when Aubrey is looking through Graces' house, we see a stuff named 'Hologic Test' Hologic is a medical tech company focused on Womens health. Maybe Grace died from cancer as well?
The scene where Grace Wakes up in the SET OF THIS MOVIE. And I think she saw HERSELF in the set (the actress playing her). I think it symbolizes Grace somehow seeing the vision of her story being found and told by others.
The title of the film 'Starfish'. Throughout the film, we see three entities facing loneliness. Aubrey left alone in this world, the little turtle living alone in a toy house, and finally the red starfish left alone (the final shot of the movie). This movie is not only about Grief, forgiveness, and forgetting..... but it is also about Loneliness.
The Man behind the Radio (on the first act), IMO he represents the people tryna help the grieving ones. And the movie shows us that those helps might not always be successful since Aubrey turns them off in the first act.
Later in the film, Grace talks about how stories last forever and there are a lot of lost stories. Even though I think the movie couldve been better, I really hope more people see this movie and this movie doesn't become those "Lost Stories". It is unique at least.
Other Nice details
-When Aubrey first arrives at the house and visits the bedroom, the Pillow looks like something is on there. But at the end of the film, it doesn't. I think it means Aubrey letting go of Grace (Forget) and Proceeding with her life.
-Theres a Nosebleed(?) on the beginning / end of the movie. Maybe it isnt something significant.. idk.
At this time that I am writing this review, I have seen this film twice. And my first and second viewing was kinda different.
First of all, don't expect a Horror thriller, even though there are some horror elements and good jumpscares, this movie is fundamentally a Sci-Fi Psychological Drama.
On my first viewing, I thought the first half of this movie was kinda boring. I appreciated the cinematography, but I was just hoping something more interesting to happen. However, the moment animated sequence happened and the film became more obscure and weird, I started to like it a lot more. And the ending was kinda beautiful and emotional. So the movie ultimately gave me a good impression, and I rated it 7/10.
In hopes of interpreting this movie, I saw this movie about a month and half later.
The boring first half was surprisingly more investing than my first viewing. However as the film moved towards the third act and ending. I sometimes got bored, which was the exact opposite of my first viewing experience. And I honestly didnt feel strong emotions on my second viewing.. so I rated a 6/10.
Before U read my interpretation, I HIGHLY recommend the IMDb trivia page of this movie. There are a lot of my points written, and also something that I didn't Catch! A LOT of interesting stuff their.
💥So My interpretation.💥
So in the beginning of the film, we learn that this is based on a true story. And according to Writer/Director A. T. White's IMDb page, every cent he makes from this movie will be donated to Cancer Research. So we can infer he lost someone close to cancer. Also, in the first act of the film when Aubrey is looking through Graces' house, we see a stuff named 'Hologic Test' Hologic is a medical tech company focused on Womens health. Maybe Grace died from cancer as well?
The scene where Grace Wakes up in the SET OF THIS MOVIE. And I think she saw HERSELF in the set (the actress playing her). I think it symbolizes Grace somehow seeing the vision of her story being found and told by others.
The title of the film 'Starfish'. Throughout the film, we see three entities facing loneliness. Aubrey left alone in this world, the little turtle living alone in a toy house, and finally the red starfish left alone (the final shot of the movie). This movie is not only about Grief, forgiveness, and forgetting..... but it is also about Loneliness.
The Man behind the Radio (on the first act), IMO he represents the people tryna help the grieving ones. And the movie shows us that those helps might not always be successful since Aubrey turns them off in the first act.
Later in the film, Grace talks about how stories last forever and there are a lot of lost stories. Even though I think the movie couldve been better, I really hope more people see this movie and this movie doesn't become those "Lost Stories". It is unique at least.
Other Nice details
- 'Forgive and Forget' is carved in the table in Graces house. Maybe something / message we are looking for isn't that far away from us. <
-When Aubrey first arrives at the house and visits the bedroom, the Pillow looks like something is on there. But at the end of the film, it doesn't. I think it means Aubrey letting go of Grace (Forget) and Proceeding with her life.
-Theres a Nosebleed(?) on the beginning / end of the movie. Maybe it isnt something significant.. idk.