Esme, My Love (2022) User Reviews

What a Snooze

[Cairo110 · 2/10 · 23 October 2022]

The film was beautiful. The acting was well done. I enjoyed the performances of both actresses, they were great.

But as a whole? Pointless. What a WASTE of time. Seemed like an excuse to cut a bunch of pretty nature shots together, with a handful of "scary" jump shots (that are NEVER truly explained or explored), and no plot.

I guess if you're really into artsy films that care more about cinematography than plot, you might enjoy this snooze fest.

I really wish it was explained why the daughter kept calling the mother Hannah. For the longest time I thought she'd been kidnapped. For all I know, that IS what happened. But this movie has no closure. No answers to any questions the viewer has. I wish I'd selected almost any other movie to watch instead.

painfully tedious slow burn to nowhere

[thomas-408 · 1/10 · 20 July 2022]

This film has been called a "slow burn." It certainly is tedious.

A mother takes her dying daughter into the woods, to see their old family home. At least we're told that the daughter is dying. By film's end, I wasn't sure.

I think director Cory Choy would take that as a compliment. It's that sort of film. Nothing is for certain. The film is wide open to interpretation. There's no resolution or closure. The only thing I was certain of was that the mother is insane. But again, that's just my interpretation. Yours might differ.

There's much talk about Emily, the mother's dead daughter, and the dying girl's sister. But by film's end, I wasn't sure if Emily was real, or had ever been real. Maybe she was, maybe not.

Both mother and daughter have visions that might be hallucinations or ghosts. I don't think there's a correct answer, but at least I should care what the answer might be. But I didn't. I was bored and annoyed by the film's ambiguity and "mystery."

Reviewers have said, "This film defies all our expectations!" Well, but I lost interest within a half hour, so I didn't have any expectations. But I kept watching, because of all the positive reviews, which had me hoping that something mystical or mind-boggling would manifest. Perhaps like Twin Peaks. But Esme, My Love is no Twin Peaks.

Choy is in love with her shots. So much so that she has difficulty trimming any fat from her film. We are "treated" to endless shots of lakes, mountains, trees, sunsets, sunrises, closeups of leaves, insects, and eyes. Lots of eye closeups. At film's end, we are treated to additional shots of a freshly dug hole. And of an abandoned green car. To no purpose. Yes, I know the hole is there. I know the car is there. It wasn't necessary to show me these several more times.

I suppose Choy thinks she is "creating atmosphere" or "mood." But it's just dreary padding. Throughout the film, I kept wanting to shout, "Get on with it already. Let's see something happen. What's this all about?"

Running at 105 minutes, Esme, My Love could easily have been trimmed to 85 or 80 minutes, without losing anything. Instead, the pacing would have improved.

The production values are nice. Good acting and cinematography. But without a good story, it's all wasted.

I movie that I watched all the way through - amazing!

[jak-99864 · 10/10 · 23 May 2022]

I don't watch many movies all the way through anymore, but I got hooked on this one. It really held my interest. A real slow burn. Creepy like M Night Shyamalan. Beautiful photography and great music. I really loved it.

A Moving Exploration of Grief

[dora_naughton · 10/10 · 11 November 2022]

ESME, MY LOVE is the kind of cinematic experience that feels so immersive, you forget you are watching a film. As a consumer, I walked through the woods with this woman and her daughter and felt every pine needle underfoot, the cold dirt between my fingers and the breeze against my skin as we began this adventure together.

In short, this is the story of a woman who survived the horrific, graphic death of her sister in childhood, with the implication that the child was made to suffer; the family knows of this genetic illness and are powerless to stop it. In a desperate attempt to avoid the same fate for her daughter, her rational mind takes a back seat to the idea that connecting with her daughter on the family's abandoned wooded estate will perhaps create some sort of miracle cure? But the question of her actual intent shines in the blade she carries and the lake waters that they precariously traverse. Why are they *really* there? Is constantly on your mind.

Anyone who has experienced the grief of losing a close family member or friend knows that the feelings are confusing. This film definitely nails that aspect of the grief spiral as the mother's constant, cryptic turns of emotion play out. Her daughter ends up experiencing her own grief spiral as she is forced to unwrap the mystery of this trip, leading to an intense and abrupt development of maturity and emotional sobriety.

I have to give props to the technical aspects of this film. The acting is absolutely perfect. It is beautifully shot, embracing the happy accidents of what I call gifts from the film gods - just the right light coming through the trees, shots of critters that abound in this environment and natural soundscapes that surround us as they are interwoven with a haunting and thoughtful soundtrack. This film also doesn't shy away from visual horror elements in addition to the psychological experience that unfolds, creating intense unease at times.

Highly recommend!

What We Do For Love!

[lesleychoy-13625 · 10/10 · 6 May 2022]

There's mystery, magic, heartbreak, and suspense in this haunting love story of a mother and daughter. This beautiful movie is a movie that will stay with you.

The scripting, acting, directing, musical score and attention to detail in settings indoor and out are outstanding, and I haven't seen cinematography as beautiful as this since An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge.

What more can I say? See it!

Left us buzzing for days

[ryanjmink · 10/10 · 24 May 2022]

This is really a unique thriller because it keeps you guessing/thinking the whole time and buzzing for days afterwards breaking it all down. It's truly thrilling.

The cinematography, directing and score are all absolutely beautiful and engrossing. Overall, a unique film that I strongly recommend.

chilling thriller

[vincentnopolis · 10/10 · 6 May 2022]

Esme, My Love, a slow burn thriller punctuated by an engrossing musical score. The quiet rural setting provided stark contrast to the mysterious events developing in the woods within. The landscapes and woods were beautifully captured by the outstanding cinematography.

Understated thriller

[izzy-03789 · 8/10 · 13 May 2022]

This quiet film manages to create an air of suspense through a mixture of great acting and masterful editing combined with an eerily beautiful score, setting and sound. The result is an intriguing tale of mother/daughter relationships and the strange turns love can take. This slow-burn film may not be to everyone's taste, but I' d urge you to give it a chance.

Beautifully Made Film!

[waltermiclo · 29 August 2022]

Beautifully photographed film! The scenes were begun and ended very well by visuals that immerse the viewer in the world of the film. Also, I liked the way the Cinematographer racked focus to obtain an artful, immersive effect and to move the story of the film.

Performances were very involving! The Actors created great tension between their characters when it was necessary to do so. Stacey Weckstein was alternately affectionate and threatening as the mother, and very convincing both ways! Audrey Grace Marshall was amazing! How do you get a very young actress like that to perform so convincingly?

The Writing was outstanding! This is the type of film that could easily have become monotonous, but the writer made the courageous choice to raise the stakes by something the mom does mid-way through the film. I won't spoil it.

The Director took the time, and made the careful choices, to create the world of the film. And the actors were obviously well-instructed. Good film!

Unexpected Crazy... Well Paced Thriller

[jermsa · 9/10 · 11 August 2022]

An uncertain mother daughter trip to reconnect with family roots takes an unexpected turn towards crazy. Magnificent performances by the film's cast, incredible cinematography, and brilliant sound editing, bring high production value to this well paced, indy thriller that had me invested in what the outcome would be.

It's truly thrilling

[mirowork · 10/10 · 16 August 2022]

This film is truly trilling.

Mysterious scenes - landscapes and woods - where mother/daughter unexpected story develops.

Great cinematography and acting, well thought details and music.

This is an art piece. Highly recommended to watch!

Fantastic Film

[miracb-92858 · 10/10 · 29 August 2022]

This movie tells a heartbreaking story of mother/daughter relationships in a truly beautiful way. The cinematography is outstanding. There is amazing attention to detail throughout the entire film, and the setting is gorgeous. This movie definitely has a slow-burn kind of feel, which may or may not be your cup of tea, but I found it really let you soak in all the elements of the story. I think in a faster-paced version, some important things would have gotten lost and the story wouldn't have been as powerful.

Definitely see this if you have a chance -- you won't regret it! It's really wonderful.

Darkly Surreal, Dreamlike Narrative

[writemarin · 10/10 · 23 November 2022]

I'm a big fan of slow-burn dramas like Burning, and I love how Esme My Love slowly unravels a mystery. The cinematography, score, sound and performances offer a haunting meditation. I loved the darkly surreal, dreamlike look! Cory Choy creates a string of beautifully crafted scenes juxtaposed with a hypnotic musical score.

I experienced the full range of emotions (love, loss, acknowledgment, respect) that goes into the struggles of parenthood and childhood. The script made the interpersonal relationship between the characters authentic. And the two leads offer subtle performances, building mystery and subtext to this dream-like narrative. Check it out!

Mysterious & Compelling

[luvtoosail · 10/10 · 13 August 2022]

Technically superb! I loved the music and the cinematography is spellbinding.

The film started very slowly, however builds to a massive crescendo.

Fabulous Film.....don't miss it!

Two Future Stars

[juliaheitner · 10/10 · 24 March 2023]

Esme, My Love is a beautifully shot film that showcases the outstanding talents of two rising stars, Stacey Weckstein and Audrey Grace Marshall. The captivating chemistry between the two actresses is palpable, and their performances are nothing short of excellent.

Weckstein's portrayal of Hannah, a character struggling to confront her inner demons, is both nuanced and enthralling. She brings an authentic vulnerability to the role, making her relatable to the audience. Marshall's performance as Esme is equally impressive, exuding a quiet confidence and depth that draws viewers in and keeps them invested in the story.

The dynamic between Hannah and Esme is both vibrant and unsettling. The cinematography is also stunning, with breathtaking landscapes serving as a fitting backdrop for the emotional journey that unfolds onscreen.

The performances of Weckstein and Marshall are a true testament to their acting prowess. This is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

A Mesmerizing, Provocative, Ode to Indie Filmmaking

[nickronan · 10/10 · 23 November 2022]

Cory Choy's feature debut "Esme, My Love" is a testament to why indie film is one of the last true art forms. Beautifully written and hauntingly shot, the film is a masterful blend of mystery thriller and lyrical narrative. This is a slow burn that delivers, builds, and satisfies in the best way possible.

Stars Stacey Weckstein and Audrey Grace both give tour de force performances, and their incredible onscreen chemistry is both taunt with tension while breaking your heart at the same time. A haunting original score serves to create a magical and nostalgic world overshadowed by a dark impending violence. "Esme, My Love" is a beautifully dark and ambitious film that will leave you breathless and thinking about how memories shape your own life.