Lorelei (2020) User Reviews

Enchanting

[bryangary65 · 7/10 · 7 January 2022]

Lovely shot film ,which is not your stereotypical tale.

It's moving thanks to the performances of Malone & Schreiber, ably supported by the three child actors.

Pablo Kills It

[damianphelps · 7/10 · 22 September 2021]

Really enjoyable movie that courageously steers clear of predictable outcomes.

The characters are well thought out and the problems they face feel tangible and challenging.

I'm sure there are countless people who would identify with many of the characters in the movie and I love that none of them are trivialized :)

A good film coming from a good place

[barnco21 · 7/10 · 25 July 2021]

This is a very good film. It's visually beautiful (in the scenes where it's meant to be beautiful) and beautifully scored. I thought every actor in the film did an excellent job as well. Some parts of the film are also ugly, boring and uncomfortable, precisely because that's what is required to portray the kind of poverty the characters inhabit. Both aspects of the film are handled well in my opinion. It's a good story: an unusual mix of fairy tale and careful realism. It reminded me a bit of the old Springsteen songs I used to listen to in college. It's not perfect, but I found it nourishing (a rare experience these days), and I'll be interested to see what this director does next.

At the time I'm writing this, reviews for this film are highly polarized. I feel that the very low reviews are attacking the film unfairly, and not honest in their reasons for doing so. It's worth watching the film for yourself, particularly if you appreciate the way that beauty and ugliness can often coincide in real life.

... a-solidly-good-film

[bjarias · 7/10 · 14 September 2021]

... casting kids has to be one of the more difficult parts of making a movie like Lorelei... these-three are just incredibly-special... will be watching it again sometime soon just to soak-up their performances once again... not that Malone & Schreiber aren't terrific.. they are... the entire cast deserves recognition... not-liking this film saying more about that individual than the film itself.

Not great but interesting

[FinneganBear · 6/10 · 31 December 2021]

This movie was better than I expected. There are flaws but they don't ruin the film. Pablo Schreiber is very good as the biker released from prison after 15 years and immediately getting back together with his high school girlfriend. Jena Malone is outstanding in that role as the girl who had trouble moving on and is now a broke, disillusioned single mother of 3 working as a motel maid. Their roles seem to shift as Schrieber's character goes from resisting temptations from his old biker friends to becoming a reluctant but responsible father figure for his girlfriend's children while she seems to be getting more unhinged and less responsible. At times the film seems to overdo the problems it throws at this family in a short period of time but the convincing acting from Schreiber, Malone and the child actors keep it interesting.

Beautiful Love Story

[portal1790 · 7/10 · 18 September 2021]

First of all I love the casting. Who says life it's easy ? A story of redemption, dreams, family, problems and love. Because love conquers all. A Beautiful Independent Movie.

Great Film! Maybe not everyone's flavor.

[alexiagoddess · 7/10 · 3 March 2021]

I liked this one a lot. It's different, subtle and beautifully done. This is about how you adjust your life to the cards your dealt. It's a slow paced melancholy film but that helps you feel these characters thoughts and how they view their lives. I will definitely watch this one again.

Family Drama

[jeroduptown · 8/10 · 28 October 2021]

Jena Malone and Pablo Schreiber play some of the most believable characters I've seen in a while. It's a gritty family drama with a strong currently of restoration and rebuilding....but in a way that avoids cheese or schmaltz.

Dull and pointless.

[Paul297551 · 3 August 2021]

I fell asleep thirty minutes into this. The writing was atrocious, the story goes nowhere. The only person in the cast I recognized was Jena Malone, and her performance was severely hampered by insufferable dialogue. This is one to skip.

At the Dive Bar.

[Horror_Flick_Fanatic · 6/10 · 21 July 2021]

I liked the last act at the Dive bar. When Wayland has his doubts about taking on this responsibility and then Dodger takes a swing at Wayland because he feels Wayland is about to abandon them. Wayland holds Dodger in a tight embrace and in that instance, he accepts the children as his own. Then inside the Dive bar when the children and Wayland see Dolores with astonishment as a beautiful Marmande in the tank. It was very beautiful and emotional scene. Very classy ending to the film. I haven't seen such a beautiful ending to a film like that in sometime.

No Ending

[crzy_grl · 1/10 · 15 August 2021]

Great movie until the end when you realize there is no end... you are left with ending credits and no idea what just happened.

Very Engaging

[Maxax777 · 8/10 · 22 January 2022]

It's very engaging - it keeps you entertained - it's also sweet - it's a bit different - but that's good - at it's core it's a simple family film - but not so much for the kids though - it's not that kind of family film!

looking to commit

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 1 November 2021]

Wayland (Pablo Schreiber) leaves prison after 15 years for armed robbery and parties with his biker friends. He reunites with high school girlfriend Dolores (Jena Malone) who is now a single mother with three kids from other men. Parole life is difficult especially while still connected with the motorcycle club.

This is a fine white trash melodrama. If that's all, then this would be fine. There is a good father figure conflict for Wayland. The gang club life could have been more intense and the source of better drama. Then there is the reveal. The movie keeps suggesting a surreal revelation but it holds back. It needs to decide whether it's a full-on supernatural reveal or it should just drop the idea. I can see the big seaside scene but the movie needs to do it. The most compelling drama in the movie is the fatherhood inner conflict.

Worse than fake

[brent-27849 · 2/10 · 11 June 2023]

I was kinda, sorta willing to give this movie a pass for most of it. True it was kind of boring with characters and a story that has been done plenty of times before. Still it seemed to have its heart in the right place about people doing what they have to eke out an existence. One movie that kept coming to mind is Terms of Endearment, a movie I actually don't like because it traffics in faux realism. This movie at least seemed to be more realistic.

That is until I got to the ending and this movie turned out to be fakier than the fakiest thing out there. I got really annoyed as I felt that I just got played by this movie, that it isn't about realism, it's about some selfish, self absorbed person who thinks it's all about her. It's not even a moral question of her being a bad mom, it's the fact that she doesn't care if she's a mom or not. Introducing Lorelei, yeah, no kidding, she goes from being a maid to a mermaid, well isn't that deep; maybe she sprouts wings too and becomes a water sprite.

There's some question about the ending being unclear. I don't see why. Guy has to go back either way, he's on parole, even if he can make a deal later where he can stay in California, he has to go back to his home state, though why he would come back is beyond me.

That's because we know she ain't going back, that's for sure, she's already made her decision, she's a mermaid for goodness sake. In fact I was a little disappointed that she didn't look a little disappointed that they found her, that would have been more realistic at least.

For starters, if it was such a big deal for her to go to California, then why didn't she do it years earlier? Seems like all she had to do was pile the kids in the car with a full tank of gas, and voila, she would find her dream job.

Speaking of California and the great big ocean, I'm not sure where the bulk of the movie is set, but it's a place filled with trees and mountain vistas and lakes and streams, doesn't exactly seem like they were starving for natural beauty or being a part of nature. Now she's living in LA, surrounded by smog and concrete, with maybe a few trips to the ocean and beach a month, hardly a step up.

And speaking of her job, what does that pay, minimum wage, in a way more expensive place to live? So she gives up a house, run down and a rental to be sure, but guaranteed the best she'll be able to do is rent a run down apartment surrounded by other run down apartments. Though I suppose if the guy does come back, he can have a much more lucrative drug dealer operation.

Also speaking of her job, kidding right? That's what she's potentially giving up her family for? Well how long before actual reality hits this fantasy movie and she nearly drowns a couple of times playing mermaid, or catches some disease in the too cold, not clean enough water or just moans about the fact that after a few weeks swimming in tepid water, her skin will no doubt look like a wrinkled up catcher's mitt?

But of course why ruin a total fantasy, right? Maybe the real open ending is a question of whether or not the kids stay with her in a cheap, too small apartment, exposed to even more potential violence, or go back with the guy and live their lives with him. Can't say as I would blame them if they went with him and if he decided to accept them as his family. Because as already stated, know for a fact she's not going back because she's certainly found her life in LA, and that's what really matters. After all why do a realistic movie about family with all of its ups and downs, all of its sacrifices and heart ache and compromises, when you can just do a movie about one person doing exactly what she deserves and wants. Introducing the Amazing Lorelei.

Congratulations! It's a mermaid.

Why I loved this movie

[pac_mano · 10/10 · 20 July 2021]

Ok haters, yes I was one of those that gave this movie a 10/10. I felt your stabs in your reviews. I read your lukewarm opinions and anemic summaries. But hey pal - I am not fake. I am a real person. I am a movie lover and this is why I love this movie. Because it is real in that "you have to keep looking over your shoulder" way.

First, Lorelei punched me in the gut. This is a story about a guy (Wayland) emerging from 15 years in prison and trying to build his life back. I truly connected with the Wayland character played by Pablo Schreiber. It was not because I have been to prison or because I ride in a biker gang (but I do still carry my motorcycle license). I connected to him as man, a father, a survivor. I think this movie is a very masculine journey even though it was directed by a woman. Wayland is part thug/part protector, a broken human being struggling to find his way in a hostile world - I can relate, it feels real. It's LA. He falls for a beautiful woman and that instantly thrust him into the role of outsider stepdad for children he doesn't even know. That lone wolf transition scares off a whole bunch of guys - just ask any single mom.

But it's the bravery of this character that pulled me in. I don't want to say that Pablo singlehandedly earned the rating. But he perfectly portrays that unique dude/dad struggle. The strengths of this film flow over the screen everywhere. The story ebbs and flows with a realism that's almost frightening. The director brilliantly executes this authenticity through the hands of great actors. But I identified with that Wayland guy. I know firsthand what it's like to have a stepdaughter hate you because of their "Real" dad's mistakes. I understand what it feels like to look into the eyes of your biological son that you love but, at the moment, he is filled with hate, and he is challenging you with everything he's got. As a man - our first inclination is to fight (or run). It takes strength and courage to love. This movie is about that particular form of strength. It's a father's tale of compassion and desperation enmeshed into the daily disfunction of a family clinging to that economic life raft. Some real stuff. Heavy, emotional, but real. In Lorelei, you are being punished for your sins and shortcomings as a parent. That's a little bit too real for many of us. My lady was a bucket of tears by the time the credits rolled.

This movie grabs you from behind and locks onto your arm with a vicegrip, just above the elbow - like a cop. It forcibly throws you into an old, wooden roller coaster and slams down the safety bar. You are going for a ride.

For the overthinkers, just sip your latte and move on, If you want a nice, little feel good rom com for date night- don't watch this movie. This is a war story of the heart with actual combat footage. A true love story with a solid dose of reality. It's blue collar: oily and dirty. This movie will leave a mark. It drills down deep into your core. You may want to run out of the theatre because it's so powerful but if you can hang - you will leave spent and warm with a dazed look on your face. Put on your emotional armor before you buy the popcorn and Coca-Cola. This ride is going up high and down real low and it's not asking for your permission. I enjoy that experience - it's transportive. In today's studio-formula, pablum factory, that's rare and that's why I call it a great movie.

Two Stars but only because of Pablo.

[Snowbird999 · 2/10 · 3 August 2021]

Pablo Schreiber, a the member of a motorcycle gang is released on parole from prison after being incarcerated for 15 years on account of an armed robbery. That's the opeing scene. Could've been a great start to an interesting movie had the screenplay and directing been in more capable hands. Instead, nothing much happens after the opening scene except a lot of superfluous emoting. I lost interest a third of the way through and never regained it. I like Pablo in Orange is the New Black, but he did himself no favors signing up for this project.

Every Life has value. That is what makes you a Dad.

[Lawsonk-1 · 10/10 · 4 August 2021]

There is a Chinese Idiom that the gobermint should know who needs help in our world. The rich are fine, but there are those in need and you look past them to help those that don't need help. Great Story, well written. The actors mesh with real life and such good direction thtat will make you cry and happy for what you have. Must see because , I promise, some part will resonate and we will connect. Lawson di Ransom Canyon.

Flawed script and slow pacing sinks this from the start.

[CastingNY212 · 3/10 · 3 August 2021]

It was difficult to find this story very relatable. Ms. Doyle tries to hard to hit the viewer over the head with its metaphors and symbolism. So much so that I felt a headache from it. She should've trusted the audience a little more. The performances from the leads were decent but the pacing of the film will have viewers shifting in their seats and checking their social media feeds. This could've been edited down by about twenty minutes.

As realistic as it gets

[marcnieden · 9/10 · 25 July 2021]

This is not some sort of action-genre nor is it an edge-of-seat thriller. However, this movie gives a brutal insight into some meaningless and worthless lives, of which plenty exists in our world. It is wonderfully played and directed, while the storyline sticks to the real stigma of low-life, survival, and struggle.

Why am I writing this? I was only 17-years old when I was desperate to escape a wretched child and youthhood. Back then, I met a woman who made me feel comfortable, loved an understood; never mind she was 6 years my senior and was mother to three children from her first marriage. I fell for her - and failed but struggled on for an unbelievable 45 years.

If some state here that this movie is nothing more than a 'wandering tale', than I dare to argue that that is what life is. Life is not fixed, nor does it proceed steadily. There are always difficulties, arguments, disagreements, and struggles. Even more so when people hit the lows and must live with little or no prospects. However, life can get compelling and testing when relationships evolve that have not much hope from the outset.

This movie leads the viewer in a very realistic surround of financial and relational struggles. To intensify the story, Weyland (Pablo) plays a character who was just released from prison after 15 years, meaning he would have had no real prospects of getting a fair chance or a decent job. Indeed, that gives the story another edge while leading the viewer in a world, 'normal' people cannot relate to.

Overall, it is a movie worth watching. It may seem boring for some, but others may find some resemblances to their own lives, past or present. The actors played their roles well and realistic, while I give credit to the director for packing so much real-life' into a small movie.

I really did enjoy and digest this great story.

Sabrina Doyle's film is clumsy and dull.

[developmentczar · 1/10 · 3 August 2021]

This film never gains traction, weighed down by a weak script that is neither interesting nor compelling. And the 111 minute excessively-long runtime only adds to the misery. Malone's performance is so one-dimensional that it is difficult to root for her. Schreiber fairs slightly better but his character is woefully predictable and colorless. I can't imagine this film finding an audience anywhere. Apparently this was a first-time feature director, and it felt like she didn't have a grasp on storytelling.

Hope Springs Eternal and Everyone Deserves Second Chances!

[songinmy_heart · 10/10 · 30 October 2021]

Great independent film about the vicissitudes of fate by first time Director/Writer Sabrina Doyle. With beautiful cinematography and evocative score, it's lovely to see a movie about relationships instead of explosions and bloodshed! Particularly enjoyable is the character of the Pastor who has a light touch with her faith and Christian cheek-turning toward her flock. Overall, Lorelei is a fairly realistic depiction of the modern "blended family." The main protagonists elicit sympathy in very human roles, eventually finding balance with life as they find it, rather than as originally dreamed. The dénouement is particularly touching in this regard and ties into the mythological theme of the title which recurs in literal waves throughout. The Wayland character as potential stepfather of three is understandably reticent, assuming a necessary parental role that gives center to his life and the children's. While the film focuses on its two principals, it is the dreams and longing of these young that ultimately gains our deepest sympathy. The three children realistically alternate between pathos and hope, and are well brought to life by the young actors in complex roles. My husband and I look forward to further efforts by this team!

The fabulous modern interpretation of an ancient maritime fable

[ctoyne-97456 · 9/10 · 1 August 2021]

The title "Lorelei." Why? Where had I heard it before? And there it was. As an avid reader of the Patrick O'Brian Captain Aubrey/Surgeon Maturin Napoleonic War sea sagas, still bemused by why only one "Master and Commander" movies were made (Crowe/Bettany sublime,) I remembered the fear of Lorelei: a siren that would lure lust-crazed seamen and their ships onto the rocks.

This film is the parallel: how Wayland (Pablo Schrieber) just released from prison and still under the thumb of a controlling parole officer, is lured back into the life of Dolores (Jena Malone,) his high school sweetheart lover. What is different now is that she has three kids, each with a different father, none in evidence. The performances of Malone and Schrieber are strong, resolute and wholly believable, the chemistry sizzles.

However, it is the sheer delight of the performances of the three kids, each so different, each named after a variety of the color blue, that transforms this intelligent and inspiring film. The eldest bi-racial Dodger Blue (Chancellor Perry) tackling his own inner strength yet insecurities by physically confronting Wayland; the stalwart Denim Blue (Parker Pascoe-Sheppard) and the delightful minx Periwinkle Blue (Amelia Borgerding) capture Waylands' - and the audiences - heart. How this all transpires is up to you to see!

There are many other fine performances in the supporting cast, with a standout of Trish Egan playing the long-suffering, but always supportive Pastor Gail.

First time directing a long-form, the British but Hollywood transplanted Sabrina Doyle is no stranger to excellence and a darling of the International film festival circuit. With many lauded shorts under her belt (her "113 Degrees" won a raft of nominations and wins; Lorelei has already garnered 5 wins and 12 nominations) Although they say that one should never work with children or animals, Doyle masterfully guides her own script though fascinating uncharted waters and never towards those rocks. Writing and directing one's own work is no mean feat and many have failed to find that objectivity: that is not the problem with Lorelei.

Why an 9 out of 10 rating? At 111 minutes, the film could use a little tightening, especially between the second and third acts. The editing itself is occasionally a little choppy. However, the cinematography is stunning. Purposefully set in the Pacific Northwest (the story could be transplanted to almost anywhere) in every scene the muted tones of grey and pale blue are always accented with a counter-punch of color, not the least in the visually gorgeous Harley scenes. Never have Hogs looked so good.

Fresh perspective

[office-951-975527 · 8 September 2021]

I think "Lorelei" shared a fresh perspective on how you can always get a second chance at life no matter what. Very hopeful story.

Some decent moments, some terrible. Barely watchable.

[stevelivesey-37183 · 5/10 · 22 December 2023]

Where to start?

Pablo Schrieber is good as the main character however the script and story never let him develop into a believable outcome. They effectively turn a biker/criminal into a mom, who wants to run away, but can't, then nearly does.........terrible writing.

Did the trans child play any significant part in the movie? It looks like this element of the story was inserted just to get the project greenlit.

There is no real ending to the movie, so those that need closure in a movie should avoid.

Sabrina Doyle seems to be obsessed by periods having that theme in this and her other works. However she does show some talent in a languid style of storytelling, the dream sequences and editing, as a writer, not so much.

Jena Malone is wasted both figuratively and literally in this movie, her character is effectively written out of the story after an hour for......errr.....reasons.

To summarise, it's a mixed bag.

Beautifully Perfect

[thehumanx · 10/10 · 24 July 2021]

IDK why but it reminded me of the 'Blue Valentine'. It is slow but I loved it.

Beautifully directed and composed!