Low production values, so expectations to be managed. Pacing is slow but it fits the story being told. There is no 'big event' in the film. I've watched a lot of wlw films and, despite the budget, this felt very authentic and I was surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Perhaps one or two scenes felt a little wooden, but on the whole there was good acting and believable chemistry between the leads. A nice little festive film.
22 Reviews
great story
surfsynergy15 July 2020
Loved the interaction and the buildup and that huge feeling that this story had despite a small cast.
Great love development between two high school girls who would 'never' be part of the same world, until one returns home years later, which lines up with class reunion. Well done.
Enjoyable movie
Northpole4912 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie very much.The developing relationship between the main characters was very romantic and evolved nicely. Alexandra Swarens is captivating (gorgeous smile) in this role.I loved the way she slowly gets drawn to Sophia despite her willpower to resist her. Those high school crushes can be powerful,can't they?
Are we in the LGBTQ community THAT hard up...
vbryan-824027 December 2021
...that we're grasping at anything that doesn't have a character go back to hetero relationship or dead?
The sound is terrible- okay, I could overlook that because of the magic of closed captions. But the dialogue, mashed together scenes, muddled conflicts, and basic lack of compelling storyline made this excruciating.
The last scene alone felt like double the length of the entire movie because it was so painful. And then it... ends?
I'm going to watch a straight lifetime Christmas movie. Look. Look what you made me do.
The sound is terrible- okay, I could overlook that because of the magic of closed captions. But the dialogue, mashed together scenes, muddled conflicts, and basic lack of compelling storyline made this excruciating.
The last scene alone felt like double the length of the entire movie because it was so painful. And then it... ends?
I'm going to watch a straight lifetime Christmas movie. Look. Look what you made me do.
THE LGBT OF "LOVE ACTUALLY" BUT...
ccosta324917 September 2020
Finally we, rainbow people, get our own holiday love story on celluloid. Thank you Alexandra Swarens for writing and directing this gem. The movie has the right pace, the build up feels natural, and it is never rushed. The chemistry between the two characters is very genuine and flows perfectly. The intimate scenes are of great taste, although I wish their kisses would have been a bit more intense.. I thought to myself, "they are being careful with this... don't! no one is in real life!".. but still incredible chemistry. Another thing I was having a hard time with was the coffee cups.. it seemed to me they kept drinking the horrible coffee for a long time.. maybe the director missed that during editing, but I thought "the coffee, by now, has to be plain cold... and gone!" The narrative is very real and it is told in a very honest way. I love everything about this film.. and the soundtrack, oh boy!
An intimate slice of life unfolding before your eyes
rogerdavis-197404 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A really heartfelt and emotional film from writer/director/actor Alexandra Swarens. The portrayal of Ainsley who clearly suffers from anxiety brought on by a kind of trauma felt during school years, appears so genuine. There is a lot to take in here, particularly in the moments devoid of dialogue. The relationship between the reticent Ainsley and the confident (ex cheerleader) Sophie has a number of awkward moments that draw you in. The occasional inconsistencies in lighting and sound make it appear more home movie (fly on the wall) at times and therefore adds to the feeling that you are being intrusive in watching the unfolding relationship. I would recommend this to anyone...having watched many times.
Beautiful, believable, heartwarming
marthaday-4453622 May 2021
This is hands-down the best women-loving-women (wlw) film I've seen. The chemistry between the two leads is what wins the day. It is an honest story of two women falling for each other after years apart. It's so tenderly and beautifully acted by both women and the family scenes are great as well. There is no drama for the sake of it, the love scene is the first authentic wlw scene I've seen on screen, and the pace is perfect. You feel like you are falling in love along with them, and the awkward moments are as uncomfortable as if you were there.
Alexandra Swarens, who wrote, directed and stars in this as Ainsley, is clearly a very talented (and beautiful) woman who had a vision of a wlw love story and executed it to perfection. Olivia Buckle, who plays Sophie, is fabulous, and her growing love for Ainsley is portrayed with a touching sweetness. The only thing that bugged me were Sophie's nails. They didn't match with her being a tree conservationist, and I don't know any woman who would let those anywhere near her.
Other than that, perfect.
Alexandra Swarens, who wrote, directed and stars in this as Ainsley, is clearly a very talented (and beautiful) woman who had a vision of a wlw love story and executed it to perfection. Olivia Buckle, who plays Sophie, is fabulous, and her growing love for Ainsley is portrayed with a touching sweetness. The only thing that bugged me were Sophie's nails. They didn't match with her being a tree conservationist, and I don't know any woman who would let those anywhere near her.
Other than that, perfect.
Did I miss something?
sergius24815 November 2021
Reviews left seems all positive, but I guess I have seen a different movie.
Poorly directed, the script is similarly agonising, the story dull.
Actors try to do their best, but it is hopeless.
Boredom permeates the entire length, with overlong scenes and meaningless "chapters".
If one likes contemplating paint drying...perhaps this romance may be exciting, but I doubt anyone else can possibly find it a model of cinematography.
Poorly directed, the script is similarly agonising, the story dull.
Actors try to do their best, but it is hopeless.
Boredom permeates the entire length, with overlong scenes and meaningless "chapters".
If one likes contemplating paint drying...perhaps this romance may be exciting, but I doubt anyone else can possibly find it a model of cinematography.
Boring
giulysinatra23 February 2022
It was so boring that i had to pause it a few times and skip a few minutes, above all in the last part.
The story between the protagonist and the other girl is cute but so cringe, i felt uncomfortable thinking about being in a similar situation.
The story between the protagonist and the other girl is cute but so cringe, i felt uncomfortable thinking about being in a similar situation.
A rough appearance belies phenomenal, substantive content
I_Ailurophile31 December 2021
Very indie, and very low budget: the production values here are unfortunate, generally seeming to be on the level of "homemade video." Whether it's advantageous or not is up for debate, but that quality does dovetail neatly into the fact that 'City of trees' is very plainspoken in its tone and unembellished in its craft. By the nature of this picture, and the style it plays with, one can easily conjure comparable titles from more renowned filmmakers or stars - the type of feature that bears a definite narrative, but is so tightly focused as a portrait of one or two characters that the story on hand is scarcely more than a tracing of those lives over a minute span of time.
By all means, these are all understandable reasons why this movie may not sit well with general audiences; the level that filmmaker Alexandra Swarens is operating on is admittedly an idiosyncrasy that one must abide, extending as well to the sound design. Look past the superficial indelicacy, however, and the bare-faced approach to the movie-making lends to a refreshing honesty, and a sense of authenticity. No-frills, and intent on low-grade "drama" in the most rudimentary sense of the word, this is a glance at a somewhat sullen young woman returning home and engaging with her past. Unmistakably austere as it presents, Swarens' writing is nonetheless wonderfully earnest and real, providing for scenes as rich and warm as they are occasionally awkward and silly - just in the way that life can be. That goes for the characters, the dialogue, the scene writing, and the minimal narrative: not especially complex, but unexpectedly engrossing, satisfying, and indeed rewarding in completing this simple, lovely tableau. For that matter, the same description applies just as readily to most everything about 'City of trees' - the music, Swarens' direction, and even small details like hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
Importantly, the small cast is peculiarly perfect. Everyone involved clearly - naturally - adored Swarens' excellent, heartfelt screenplay, and the tack she has taken with the picture, for they all embrace their modest, inelaborate roles with enthusiasm. Even supporting cast members like Joseph Miller, Kate McIntyre, and Andrew V. Perkins illustrate welcome nuance, personality, and range - appropriately attuned to the particular tenor of the feature. In a like fashion but more prominently, Olivia Buckle is sweetly enchanting and certainly capable as kind Sophie - bighearted, with hidden depths. Above all, Swarens herself is all but perfect as protagonist Ainsley, and very relatable - down on her luck, down on herself, and struggling to find peace in her life. Swarens could carry the film all by herself if she had to, with outstanding poise and strength of personality. I immediately want to find more films from all involved, Buckle and Swarens most of all.
'City of trees' broaches familiar thematic and storytelling territory, but with a bare-bones combination of sincerity, genuineness, and unadorned care and film-making passion that makes ever the more endearing and absorbing. To whatever extent one may call to mind similar movies, none are quite like this; Swarens' creation is one all its own. Heartwarming and thoughtful, the final cut far exceeds the humble first impression that it makes upon beginning, and starts to prove itself very early. From the seeming stock footage(!) that opens the picture, to the gratifyingly candid and pleasing ending, I think this is a truly marvelous film: a fine example of the stupendous heights that can be achieved without major studios or lofty financial backing, and little more than drive and a camera. Alexandra Swarens, her cast, and her crew should be mightily proud: 'City of trees' is a tremendous, moving title that deserves substantially more attention and recognition. This is worth seeking out wherever you may find it, and gets my highest recommendation!
By all means, these are all understandable reasons why this movie may not sit well with general audiences; the level that filmmaker Alexandra Swarens is operating on is admittedly an idiosyncrasy that one must abide, extending as well to the sound design. Look past the superficial indelicacy, however, and the bare-faced approach to the movie-making lends to a refreshing honesty, and a sense of authenticity. No-frills, and intent on low-grade "drama" in the most rudimentary sense of the word, this is a glance at a somewhat sullen young woman returning home and engaging with her past. Unmistakably austere as it presents, Swarens' writing is nonetheless wonderfully earnest and real, providing for scenes as rich and warm as they are occasionally awkward and silly - just in the way that life can be. That goes for the characters, the dialogue, the scene writing, and the minimal narrative: not especially complex, but unexpectedly engrossing, satisfying, and indeed rewarding in completing this simple, lovely tableau. For that matter, the same description applies just as readily to most everything about 'City of trees' - the music, Swarens' direction, and even small details like hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
Importantly, the small cast is peculiarly perfect. Everyone involved clearly - naturally - adored Swarens' excellent, heartfelt screenplay, and the tack she has taken with the picture, for they all embrace their modest, inelaborate roles with enthusiasm. Even supporting cast members like Joseph Miller, Kate McIntyre, and Andrew V. Perkins illustrate welcome nuance, personality, and range - appropriately attuned to the particular tenor of the feature. In a like fashion but more prominently, Olivia Buckle is sweetly enchanting and certainly capable as kind Sophie - bighearted, with hidden depths. Above all, Swarens herself is all but perfect as protagonist Ainsley, and very relatable - down on her luck, down on herself, and struggling to find peace in her life. Swarens could carry the film all by herself if she had to, with outstanding poise and strength of personality. I immediately want to find more films from all involved, Buckle and Swarens most of all.
'City of trees' broaches familiar thematic and storytelling territory, but with a bare-bones combination of sincerity, genuineness, and unadorned care and film-making passion that makes ever the more endearing and absorbing. To whatever extent one may call to mind similar movies, none are quite like this; Swarens' creation is one all its own. Heartwarming and thoughtful, the final cut far exceeds the humble first impression that it makes upon beginning, and starts to prove itself very early. From the seeming stock footage(!) that opens the picture, to the gratifyingly candid and pleasing ending, I think this is a truly marvelous film: a fine example of the stupendous heights that can be achieved without major studios or lofty financial backing, and little more than drive and a camera. Alexandra Swarens, her cast, and her crew should be mightily proud: 'City of trees' is a tremendous, moving title that deserves substantially more attention and recognition. This is worth seeking out wherever you may find it, and gets my highest recommendation!
This is the kind of honest represenation that's needed in the media
wpaabhishek7 December 2021
I loved the way they developed the story and how multi dimensional the storytelling was. It tenderly touches on the traumas of the past and the actresses have done a great job in showing how those things build as insecurities in the present.
I also loved the warm representation of love. It's such an honest, such a realistic, and such a beautiful movie.
I also loved the warm representation of love. It's such an honest, such a realistic, and such a beautiful movie.
Cute story
Chopsuey-soad10 January 2020
I really enjoyed this one, it's light, it's authentic and everyone did a great job.
If you can look past some minor sound imperfections and let yourself dive into the world of someone who has not only been in her hometown for 7 years, but also wasn't invited to the high school reunion, and you just know this would be awkward but also maybe the time to realise people are not the same as they were in high school before.
Really lovely characters and well written, which is no surprise coming from Alexandra Swarens.
It's a thumbs up from me and looking forward to more stories.
Yes!
mickexandersson21 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the subtle ways of describing Ainsley's feelings when returning to her hometown after living in a big city for several years, the alienation, the mild annoyment with her parents, her inner discomfort and shame when returning home after failing her big city dream as well as her old insecurities from her youth, that are brought to the surface when returning home. However, gradually through the film, she realizes that her imagination of how people in her hometown perceive her is invalid, which is the key to her awakening at the end of the film, and that enables her to take new and vital steps in life.
Well written, acted and directed.
The few things that could be done better could all easily been solved with a larger budget, mainly invested in technology.
Perhaps also scenery and some extras in the class reunion / karaoke scene.
Well done!
Beautiful Quirky Little Gem
eejohnston-5637418 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Absolutely loved this movie! The romance that develops between the two main characters, played by Alexandra Swarens and Olivia Buckle, comes across as authentic throughout with an ending that makes me hope for a sequel! There's nothing over the top in this movie and you genuinely believe in the bond Ainsley shares with her family. Swarens gives off the right amount of angst to convince you she's having a quarter life crisis. Hoping more people see this and cast these actors in more projects!! Only fault would be wanting to know more about Olivia's story between high school and the present day where it ends.
Just About a Perfect Movie
bshaef22 July 2020
I would have changed the ending but I'm not sure how. The director made this movie. It developed at exactly the right pace from beginning to end. I don't know who Alexandra Swarens is but she's good. The movie held my undivided attention from the beginning to end. Thank you Prime. You did well with this one. I hope the director has more movies to spring on us.
Pitch Perfect Story of 2 Adults Falling in Love
film_grrrl26 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Heartfelt, with a fine ear for genuine dialogue, there are no unnecessary drama, phony set pieces or Big Speeches here. Nope, there are just two adults you wish you knew and were friends falling in utter love. If only all romance films were this good. Don't let the lack of much back story deter you. It's a brave choice on the part of Swarens (writer) and works brilliantly. We don't need it. We have the Here and Now, and that's the point. And the details are so wonderful, with an ending that is pitch perfect. Sophie (Buckle -- fabulous) wants to attend the high school reunion, to which Ainsley (Swarens -- spectacular, and she also directs) has not been invited. So Sophie says let's skip the reunion, a gift to her sweetheart. But Ainsley knows how important it is to Sophie, and says Let's Go. I'll Be Fun. She signals with a look and wink that it will truly be fun. She'll make sure of it because it's important to Sophie. When Sophie kisses Ainsley, it's a kiss of thanks and genuine love. and the kiss back is You're Welcome, Darling. Could it get better? It does! the head rested on the shoulder as they sit before the fire, the kiss on the forehead. Wow. Kudos to Swarens (star, writer and director). You've created a gem.
The sweetest lesbian movie
karinanasution26 November 2021
For me this is the sweetest lesbian movie I have ever watched. The problem that they're facing is totally make sense with all the background of each characters. I really really love the movie and have watched more than 20 times in two days and still counting ahaha. I would like to watch more of them. Make the sequel please. I still can't get enough of it. It would be great if you can tell the past stories as when they're in school from both angles for the sequel. And also make the after life of them when they're together for the trilogy. So we can have the presents, past, and future. Love it! <3.
Very good movie
carmo-515 March 2023
I´ve just seen City of Trees (2019) in the YouTube. The film is relatively short (1h30m approximately) and it was a very good surprise to the point that, when it ended, I felt like watching it again. It is that sort of film that puts you into a very good frame of mind about yourself and about the whole world. All the actors are great and so is everything else in the film. Dialogues and the way the whole story develops seem very natural i.e., the way they should be. Many thanks to all who took part in the project - you all did a very good job indeed! And particularly, congratulations to Alexandra Swarens who wrote, directed and acted in the movie, besides being one of the executive producers.
Not a snooze as others said
nwauntie26 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Did it start a little slow? Yes, as does all shows that are starting to tell a story. I really enjoyed it, it was better than the negative reviews (believe the GOOD reviews). I found it mixed up the story by treading on the insecurities of high school, going "home" after you have been away and yet facing some of those same fears when you came back home, never really getting over them. Haven't we ALL had something we experienced growing up, whether it was people at high school, an experience in town that made us want to just keep it hidden away? What I didn't
like was the odd ending, just seemed to stop in its tracks. But way better ending than the usual, "Girl meets girl, girl falls for girl and one girl leaves girl for a guy" ending that so many of these stories have. But I felt the leads had chemistry made it seem like a
more realistic connection they had. All in all I'm glad I watched it. What I really found amazing was that the lead actress acted in it, wrote it AND directed it! That is some talent, I hope she keeps it up, can't find much from her.
The Most Pleasantly Surprised I've Ever Been Watching a Movie!!!
ellendunsmore14 June 2023
I'd be lying if I said that before watching "City of Trees" I had been grouping it in with other corny lesbian Christmas movies. Not only did I love the movie, but it's writing, directing, and acting blew me away! Yes it's a low-budget, independent film, but not in a bad way, rather in a realistic way. It's a very relatable storyline for anyone who has moved away from their hometown after a less than stellar high school experience, only to return later in life and find that people grow-up, and maybe your worst enemies can actually become friends..or more. "City of Trees" is 100% worth the watch, as it is a well above-average, realistic LBGTQIA+ film that will leave you thinking "Wow, I didn't expect that!".
Very authentic, yet slow
lynnsalcambrodted10 July 2022
Ainsley (Alexandra Swarens) is visiting her hometown for Christmas, the first time in several years. Although she is happy to see her parents and her sister and her friend Teddy, she doesn't really feel comfortable in her old environment. To make matters worse, a reunion from her high school is coming up, but she hasn't even been invited to it. And finally, there's Sophie (Olivia Buckle), who she went to school with but never really became friends with and who now helps her mother out in the garden and is eager to get to know Ainsley. The two start to get closer - but Ainsley's complexes about her self-image and her past seem to stand impassably between them ...
Just looking at the home page of this website should make it clear that I am a fan of the works of director Alexandra Swarens. I love her latest film Spring dearly (the kiss picture is from that film). I had a few concerns about seeing City of Trees, which has been described by various people as much less ambitious and polished.
But my worries were unnecessary. Although City of Trees is even more minimalistic than Spring, it is worth seeing in every aspect and managed to captivate me with the same unexcited intensity. Not much actually happens in these almost 90 minutes, but what little does happen is characterized by authentic impact, by consistent atmospheres.
City of Trees is a slow and low-budget film. If you are looking for action (or stunning visuals), you are definitely in the wrong place. Whereas - there is action (and stunning parts), but it is a very subtle action that takes place under the surfaces. Many scenes invite you to imagine what thoughts and emotions are going on inside the characters right now. For that, however, you have to be willing to empathize and explore the inner conflicts that are not openly acted out.
More on bestlesbianmoviesever. Check it out. It owns a list of over 350 lesbian movies and where to watch them.
Just looking at the home page of this website should make it clear that I am a fan of the works of director Alexandra Swarens. I love her latest film Spring dearly (the kiss picture is from that film). I had a few concerns about seeing City of Trees, which has been described by various people as much less ambitious and polished.
But my worries were unnecessary. Although City of Trees is even more minimalistic than Spring, it is worth seeing in every aspect and managed to captivate me with the same unexcited intensity. Not much actually happens in these almost 90 minutes, but what little does happen is characterized by authentic impact, by consistent atmospheres.
City of Trees is a slow and low-budget film. If you are looking for action (or stunning visuals), you are definitely in the wrong place. Whereas - there is action (and stunning parts), but it is a very subtle action that takes place under the surfaces. Many scenes invite you to imagine what thoughts and emotions are going on inside the characters right now. For that, however, you have to be willing to empathize and explore the inner conflicts that are not openly acted out.
More on bestlesbianmoviesever. Check it out. It owns a list of over 350 lesbian movies and where to watch them.
A film shot about real life - presented and acted as such.
Juliette_Thandi10 April 2023
It's so rare for a movie to be shot so honestly, vulnerably, and truthfully. There are so many beautiful moments: with her family, how things have changed since high school, and the pain of doubting yourself.
This movie is so well done that I almost feel like I'm intruding on watching beautiful moments. It's one of my go-to movies when I'm not feeling great - I love how it feels like real life, and nature is a big part of it. Alexandra creates pieces like this in general, and her acting is so methodical that you really lose yourself in watching. This is what art is about - making people think, reflect, change their stories, and paths.
Alexandra creates pieces like this in general and her acting is so method that you really lose yourself in watching. This is what art is about - making people think, reflect, change their stories and paths.
This movie is so well done that I almost feel like I'm intruding on watching beautiful moments. It's one of my go-to movies when I'm not feeling great - I love how it feels like real life, and nature is a big part of it. Alexandra creates pieces like this in general, and her acting is so methodical that you really lose yourself in watching. This is what art is about - making people think, reflect, change their stories, and paths.
Alexandra creates pieces like this in general and her acting is so method that you really lose yourself in watching. This is what art is about - making people think, reflect, change their stories and paths.
See also
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