Hello & Goodbye is a really interesting indie new release on Amazon Prime. The first thing that jumped out at me with this film was the evocative imagery. Hello & Goodbye has really compelling lighting, framing, and the occasional sweeping drone shot that are particularly remarkable given that this is likely a moderately budgeted indie film. The plot concerns two exes as they reunite and seem to connect and understand each other in ways that they had not when they were together. I like these movies where the acting does not feel "performed," rather it feels natural like we are observing people we know. Hello & Goodbye takes its time where necessary, and excels in creating a unique mood and atmosphere for this story to grow. I enjoyed this movie and I think those who like a really good indie relationship drama will enjoy it as well.
15 Reviews
Terrific Indie Storytelling
TheAll-SeeingI26 September 2019
With great fascination, I watched the excellent "Hello & Goodbye" through its ending credit scroll, during which a screen shot states, "We had a cast of 2 and 5 crew...just twelve people made this film happen." If you truly love what beats in the heart of soulful indie filmmaking, you'll see it in spades throughout "Hello & Goodbye," and will recognize that statement as a well-earned source of pride.
The film introduces us to a couple autopsying their breakup throughout the course of a single rejoined night together. This two-person show consists of Drew (Peter Weidman) and Beth (Tybee Diskin). They're awkwardly trying to be friends, but wounds are raw. It comes to pass that "Hello & Goodbye" is a terrifically well-acted film -- "indie" or otherwise -- and the actors expertly sell the aching tenderness of a newly-separated couple in post-traumatic exploration mode.
At its best, independent filmmaking can outflank its major studio counterparts by avoiding the sheen and artifice Hollywood surely would have slathered all over this movie. "Hello & Goodbye" rises to this exact benchmark as art which truly reflects "real life." And that's not always something we can say about films playing at the local enormodome.
The film introduces us to a couple autopsying their breakup throughout the course of a single rejoined night together. This two-person show consists of Drew (Peter Weidman) and Beth (Tybee Diskin). They're awkwardly trying to be friends, but wounds are raw. It comes to pass that "Hello & Goodbye" is a terrifically well-acted film -- "indie" or otherwise -- and the actors expertly sell the aching tenderness of a newly-separated couple in post-traumatic exploration mode.
At its best, independent filmmaking can outflank its major studio counterparts by avoiding the sheen and artifice Hollywood surely would have slathered all over this movie. "Hello & Goodbye" rises to this exact benchmark as art which truly reflects "real life." And that's not always something we can say about films playing at the local enormodome.
A "9" from me
craigahrens30 September 2019
This film is terrific on every level!! This is true indie filmmaking at its finest. This film is just flat out good!! I thoroughly loved the two lead actors. They did such a great job (bravo to casting). They gave incredibly compelling performances. My hat's off to both the writer (Mike Shelton) and director (Marc Hampson). The story never got boring and the pacing was spot on. Anyone looking to be entertained, will enjoy this film like I did.
Loved it!!
jblockbuster2 October 2019
The two lead characters are adorable! Two ex lovers reconnect in one night, reaching levels of honesty they never did before. It's beautiful, entertaining and engaging. If you like indie, if you want to have some fun, then this is for you. And if you are a tiny bit romantic, you will simply love it :)
Worth the watch
johnapplebee-959473 October 2019
So authentic
directortim201227 September 2019
As I watched this film, I wondered if it were autobiographical? Because it just felt so real and lived in. The film is intelligent, funny and sad. I cared for the characters and really believed their reality and their history. The story, acting, everything was on a higher level than you expect from a small indie. This was a genuinely affecting movie!
Heartfelt Indie drama
jason-scepter29 September 2019
Hello & Goodbye centers around two ex-lovers who get together again to talk about all the problems they had in their relationship. Delving into their past, they try to understand what happened to them. It's both raw and touching. Worth watching.
Painfully realistic portrait of a union
mmkkss-3173416 October 2019
A really well acted rumination on the excruciating manipulations of love. The set-up is two ex's coming together to explore a possible reboot of their relationship. The fireworks launch from there.
This is unnervingly realistic in the way it conveys the Mars/Venus dynamics of the male/female relationship here, and also focuses on how unions are compromised by the compromises people make to please the other. It's especially tragic when the other you're pleasing doesn't really know what they want, anyway.
HELLO AND GOODBYE is certainly a solid argument for seeing traditional relationships as an option, not a given. Beyond temporary romantic euphoria, what does each partner actually bring to a relationship? Is it worthwhile, is it valid? What IS a relationship TODAY?
Mark Hampson's film remains focused on its issues, and is as raw as a fresh scab. Love as possible delusion made murky by sex and attraction is a fine, sticky, complex subject. Some good cracked egg imagery and Eiffel Tower, referencing great French cinema that has explored these themes, is a welcome touch.
A final credit coda thanking the cast for leaving pieces of themselves (on the film) is apt. Score is aces.
This is unnervingly realistic in the way it conveys the Mars/Venus dynamics of the male/female relationship here, and also focuses on how unions are compromised by the compromises people make to please the other. It's especially tragic when the other you're pleasing doesn't really know what they want, anyway.
HELLO AND GOODBYE is certainly a solid argument for seeing traditional relationships as an option, not a given. Beyond temporary romantic euphoria, what does each partner actually bring to a relationship? Is it worthwhile, is it valid? What IS a relationship TODAY?
Mark Hampson's film remains focused on its issues, and is as raw as a fresh scab. Love as possible delusion made murky by sex and attraction is a fine, sticky, complex subject. Some good cracked egg imagery and Eiffel Tower, referencing great French cinema that has explored these themes, is a welcome touch.
A final credit coda thanking the cast for leaving pieces of themselves (on the film) is apt. Score is aces.
genuine & down to earth
freyamoran13 November 2019
I thought the actors in this movie were great. They took a good script and did it justice. The cinematography and directing was great. I think its so cool, it just involved two actors and a few crew. We should see more movies like this, where we can see quality come out of a indie film. Thanks for this film!
Indie film at its best!
alanakmd24 October 2019
Just 12 people made this film - cast and crew! This astonished me given the production quality. Visually stunning and well acted, this film brings a very raw and intimate feel. An honest protrayal or relationships. Thoroughly enjoyed!
An Engaging Film
vigilant5615 October 2019
A lot of talking
MayhemFilmKreations30 September 2019
Moving romantic drama
Anmer9316 October 2019
Raw and real look at "relationships"
lbruhnca10 December 2019
I love character driven indie films that have comic relief and dramatic moments while revealing raw human emotions and characteristics. Why do people do what they do? Why people become who they are? Why do people fall in love, get together and stay together, or not? I was amazed at how few actors and crew it took to make this indie film. Watch and see what is uncovered about these two characters.
Touching indie dramedy
Phil_Chester10 October 2019
A touching indie dramedy about an ex-couple trying to work out if they can be "just good friends". This film is really evocative and emotional for those of us who have tried to negotiate this in our own lives. Authentic and moving.
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