I was a background actor in this and had no idea where this film was going. But I'm so impressed with how the director entertwined a controversial issue with the romance between Lucy and Mercy. She drew me into their hearts and I cried and cheered for them. I loved the realistic scenery; the messy house, the RV, the penitentiary and the 3 legged dog!
Bravo to Ellen, Kate and the host of BG actors from Cincinnati!
33 Reviews
perfect little indie movie
FIoret23 May 2019
This movie fits the "indie movie" mold. Short, sweet, leaves you wanting more of these characters. Amy Seimetz is excellent, and a very believable older sister to Ellen Page. This movie had me crushing on Kate Mara to the point that I immediately followed her on Instagram.
Difficult story but important watch
marshalynn14-778-28066516 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed this movie. It was about a topic that I am not familiar with really. It tells the story of the death penalty And how it affects people, young adult, it gave me a lot of food for thought. I felt it was well acted also
I film that makes you feel
Gordon-1130 April 2020
When the lines start to blur it is getting interesting.
hnapel8 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
With so many divisive forces to drive a relationship apart, it becomes in fact a consoling thought there isn't at least a gender gap between the two women in this remarkable love story. Class, as in being a well educated lawyer compared against being a mere hopeful to land a job as a waitress could be a thing, more importantly in this story if your dad is on death row there's no favorite karma in ending up in a fling with somebody who thinks there's consolation for the victims in the killing of a convict. But when the lines start to blur it is getting interesting. The classy lawyer starts to dig into her friends' case by unearthing some facts about the sentence of her father and then, given those facts, while it is not said in so many words evokes at least some sympathy for the eventual execution, even if it is a sordid business. It is certainly the power of this movie to evoke a feeling of being uncomfortable in the swaying of your own beliefs or at least being forced to look at the matter from the other side's perspective. The interaction between the women as they court each other is endearing as much as convincing, the latter the two actresses are likely more fond of to hear. Also it becomes apparent that driving around in a rickety RV has the benefit of being able to have erotic interludes on stopovers. For a conclusion it is hard to say what the message of this movie is, for example: in a life and death situation, who cares if a few girls are making out? Love conquers all? Puritans eat your heart out? That's the nice thing it is left to your own means to unravel.
meeting in the middle of two sides
ferguson-64 July 2019
Greetings again from the darkness. There have been some fine movies centered on death row. These include: THE GREEN MILE (1999), DEAD MAN WALKING (1995), THE LIFE OF DAVID GALE (2003), and TRUE CRIME (1999). The only one I can remember that even comes close to also being a love story is MONSTER'S BALL (2001), and if you've seen it, you would likely agree that it's not exactly a warm and fuzzy story of romance. With this latest, however, Israeli director Tali Shalom-Ezer and British writer Joe Barton combine for a romantic story where death row plays a vital part.
Ellen Page stars as Lucy. She travels around the country in a well-worn motorhome with her older sister Martha (Amy Seimetz, UPSTREAM COLOR) and their little brother Benjamin (Charlie Shotwell, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC), as they partake in the anti-death penalty demonstrations outside the prison gates as the next execution takes place. Across the parking lot, the pro-death penalty side hold their own signs and keep their own vigil. Lucy's eyes lock on those of a striking young woman from the other side. When they meet, the ironically named Mercy (Kate Mara) aggressively flirts with the shy and confused Lucy, and the two sneak out for drinks at a bar.
Soon Lucy is anxiously awaiting the next protest so that she can meet up with Mercy. The sexual tension builds as they get to know each other, and their awkward friendship turns romantic. Their activism for different sides of an important topic doesn't have any negative impact on their attraction to each other. Each woman has been personally affected by the death penalty, and as viewers we struggle with the idea that these two lovebirds part each time with what amounts to 'see you at the next execution!'
Elias Koteas (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, 1990) plays Lucy's death row dad, and Brian Geraghty (THE HURT LOCKER) plays the attorney who is simultaneously working on his case and on Lucy's sister Martha. The acting here is top notch as Kate Mara balances the two sides of Mercy, and Ellen Page flashes her familiar JUNO snark - albeit with the heft of a wisened adult. Ms. Seimetz adds to her list of always-interesting characters, and has a couple of truly outstanding scenes.
Blending love and the death penalty makes for an unusual combination, and we do understand that folks choose their side based on personal belief and circumstances. For the film, the death penalty issue is a bit of a distraction to the story of these two people, though it's admirable that Mr. Barton chose to give them a personal stake in two different cases, rather than the same - which we would expect in a lesser movie. The use of "last meals" is quite creative, as we see the actual food, as well as the name of the inmate, the crime, and the prison.
The fallout from executions is widespread. Perhaps no one wants a narrative film focused entirely on such a depressing and divisive topic. We do ask ourselves if a romantic relationship is even possible for two who are diametrically opposed on such an emotional topic. It's an ending that lets no one off the hook easily. Life is hard. So is death. Make your choices wisely.
Ellen Page stars as Lucy. She travels around the country in a well-worn motorhome with her older sister Martha (Amy Seimetz, UPSTREAM COLOR) and their little brother Benjamin (Charlie Shotwell, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC), as they partake in the anti-death penalty demonstrations outside the prison gates as the next execution takes place. Across the parking lot, the pro-death penalty side hold their own signs and keep their own vigil. Lucy's eyes lock on those of a striking young woman from the other side. When they meet, the ironically named Mercy (Kate Mara) aggressively flirts with the shy and confused Lucy, and the two sneak out for drinks at a bar.
Soon Lucy is anxiously awaiting the next protest so that she can meet up with Mercy. The sexual tension builds as they get to know each other, and their awkward friendship turns romantic. Their activism for different sides of an important topic doesn't have any negative impact on their attraction to each other. Each woman has been personally affected by the death penalty, and as viewers we struggle with the idea that these two lovebirds part each time with what amounts to 'see you at the next execution!'
Elias Koteas (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, 1990) plays Lucy's death row dad, and Brian Geraghty (THE HURT LOCKER) plays the attorney who is simultaneously working on his case and on Lucy's sister Martha. The acting here is top notch as Kate Mara balances the two sides of Mercy, and Ellen Page flashes her familiar JUNO snark - albeit with the heft of a wisened adult. Ms. Seimetz adds to her list of always-interesting characters, and has a couple of truly outstanding scenes.
Blending love and the death penalty makes for an unusual combination, and we do understand that folks choose their side based on personal belief and circumstances. For the film, the death penalty issue is a bit of a distraction to the story of these two people, though it's admirable that Mr. Barton chose to give them a personal stake in two different cases, rather than the same - which we would expect in a lesser movie. The use of "last meals" is quite creative, as we see the actual food, as well as the name of the inmate, the crime, and the prison.
The fallout from executions is widespread. Perhaps no one wants a narrative film focused entirely on such a depressing and divisive topic. We do ask ourselves if a romantic relationship is even possible for two who are diametrically opposed on such an emotional topic. It's an ending that lets no one off the hook easily. Life is hard. So is death. Make your choices wisely.
Really enjoyed
Headturner122 May 2019
I thought this was a very well done movie. This is what an indie movie should be( see prior reviews) I think I've only seen Ellen Page in a few things. Realized she was the girl from Super ( really liked her in that) She is a really good diverse actor. I think the acting was good by all, only not excellent one was the attorney. And he was still decent. Spoiler; When Lizzy tells Mercy about what happened really felt it was real. very good acting. The story is a depressing one but I thought it was a good film.
Nice - but Long Winded With Some Very Cheesy Scenes
Breumaster17 March 2020
I like the characters, they are pretty good written. I like how the story goes - the beginning is really interesting. It's not only that, because the scenario around the two main characters fits perfectly. But at about the middle of the movie it becomes a nerving war, because the characters beginn to act (partly) totally cheesy. Then it becomes like a teenage nerv rampage. That destroyed the good impression the movie made in it's beginning. I recommend this for teenies. ;)
A sweet, sad but original idea
Hit-Girl9317 May 2019
Anything with Ellen Page in it is worth a watch, this movie included. She absolutely nails it. I like that this movie is not a remake of anything or based on any books.. It's an original idea and an interesting one too and not one you'd have seen before. The 2 main characters have a good chemistry and are generally sweet together, even though a maybe slightly funny match. I guess some people might find this film boring but I think it's definitely worth a watch.
Brilliant actors steal the show
PaxtonMalloy30 September 2019
Once in a while we get a movie like this. No need for visual trickery no fancy over the top set pieces. Just two outstanding actresses and a good script. To get the nitpick out of the way the movie drags a little even though it is pretty short.
That being said everything else is outstanding. It again without doing much shows you how cruel death penalty is like this is news. In 2019 even a flatearther has a stronger argument than a death penalty supporter. And even though the USA is the last democratic country to have it it is thankfully just a matter of time until it is gone.
Mara and page are outstanding in every scene. They do so much with so little. Page as always is so believable. You can feel what she feels at any given second. I am not surprised this didn't get a wide release. Movies like this have a hard time. But we need so much more of this. So much more about movies that make you think about them even days later.
Not nearly as meaningful as you think it will be.
CrustyReviews8 May 2023
If you think the film will showcase a beautiful story about people on opposing sides coming to understand each other like the plot suggests, you'll be disappointed. This movie could have been profound I imagine, given its serious material and relevance to the current political divides in our world, but it's really just a sad story with no real resolution.
It annoyed me immensely that the writers didn't even bother making up a good excuse for why these two female characters were drawn to each other. I mean, we're really given nothing. Kate's character sees a downtrodden and frumpy Elliot Page stepping out of a camper in the distance and that's enough for Kate to pursue her like there's no tomorrow? It's like - one minute she's super passionate about being pro-capital punishment, and the next she's awkwardly inviting her anti-capital punishment "enemy" to a night out. And the worst part is we don't even get to see the relationship unfold into something deep where they challenge each others' stances and such. However we do get some sexy love scenes. But there's no depth to the relationship.
Page's acting was compelling, per usual, though. It is what carries the film.
It annoyed me immensely that the writers didn't even bother making up a good excuse for why these two female characters were drawn to each other. I mean, we're really given nothing. Kate's character sees a downtrodden and frumpy Elliot Page stepping out of a camper in the distance and that's enough for Kate to pursue her like there's no tomorrow? It's like - one minute she's super passionate about being pro-capital punishment, and the next she's awkwardly inviting her anti-capital punishment "enemy" to a night out. And the worst part is we don't even get to see the relationship unfold into something deep where they challenge each others' stances and such. However we do get some sexy love scenes. But there's no depth to the relationship.
Page's acting was compelling, per usual, though. It is what carries the film.
Powerful
GomezAddams6662 January 2020
This is one of those movies that has so many layers it becomes profound.
The romantic relationship of the two main characters areas important as the family struggles with the death penalty, but none of the story lines takes away from the other, if anything they complement each other to make a beautiful movie.
In a world were most movies are remakes and reboots, it is refreshing to see an original movie with a great story, amazing performances from the cast.
I was mesmerized.
The romantic relationship of the two main characters areas important as the family struggles with the death penalty, but none of the story lines takes away from the other, if anything they complement each other to make a beautiful movie.
In a world were most movies are remakes and reboots, it is refreshing to see an original movie with a great story, amazing performances from the cast.
I was mesmerized.
Very human
brianyru2 July 2019
Pretty Bad
socrates422 May 2019
I feel like they were definitely going for something here. Unfortunately they did not pull it off. The story could have used some work. The acting is bad as well.
Overall, I think they could have done a much better job. This story certainly has the potential for a good story, but it just didn't all come together this time around. Do not recommend.
Overall, I think they could have done a much better job. This story certainly has the potential for a good story, but it just didn't all come together this time around. Do not recommend.
Cute love story
theseventhstooge9 January 2020
The best part of this movie is the love story between Lucy and Mercy, not the least because of the amazing chemistry between Ellen Page and Kate Mara. The rest of the story falls horribly flat. I didn't buy into the anti or pro-death penalty angle, I was unmoved by the constant references to the executions that mark the various scenes. I also had no feeling about the other plot, the execution of Lucy, Martha, and Ben's father Simon.I have a feeling most of this movie was left on the cutting room floor.
This movie was predictable.They could have put Ellen and Kate into any scenario and it would have worked. All in all, I can't deny the fact that Ellen and Kate are amazing actresses. Their love story is the only thing that was good in this movie. For that alone its worth watching at least once.
This movie was predictable.They could have put Ellen and Kate into any scenario and it would have worked. All in all, I can't deny the fact that Ellen and Kate are amazing actresses. Their love story is the only thing that was good in this movie. For that alone its worth watching at least once.
Elliot Page is one underrated cookie..
danielthompsonfp7 April 2021
Let's begin by acknowledging that Kate Mara and Elliot Page are the on screen duo that I never knew I needed.
I first saw Kate Mara in "House of Cards", and I've been drawn to anything she plays in ever since. Very intelligent and calculated woman, it seems, and she portrays that well in her acting roles.
Elliot Page is such an underrated actress, however I think that's what I've learned to like about her. She tends to take on more "indie" style roles, and I'm rarely disappointed by them. Truly, one of the most believable actresses of our time.
My favorite part of this film is that it's original. So many of the films that Hollywood is putting out these days seems so polished and "politically correct", that it's hard to find a storyline in the chaos. This movie is far from that. It's a breath of fresh air to see real people, with real problems, and taking that journey with them.
My rating is based on the pace of the film, as I did feel it was a tad longer than it truly needed to be. It's not a "must see" film by any means, however it is the perfect flick to sit down and watch if you're looking to experience something fresh and original.
I first saw Kate Mara in "House of Cards", and I've been drawn to anything she plays in ever since. Very intelligent and calculated woman, it seems, and she portrays that well in her acting roles.
Elliot Page is such an underrated actress, however I think that's what I've learned to like about her. She tends to take on more "indie" style roles, and I'm rarely disappointed by them. Truly, one of the most believable actresses of our time.
My favorite part of this film is that it's original. So many of the films that Hollywood is putting out these days seems so polished and "politically correct", that it's hard to find a storyline in the chaos. This movie is far from that. It's a breath of fresh air to see real people, with real problems, and taking that journey with them.
My rating is based on the pace of the film, as I did feel it was a tad longer than it truly needed to be. It's not a "must see" film by any means, however it is the perfect flick to sit down and watch if you're looking to experience something fresh and original.
Not quite the sum of its two halves...
sarcasm_for_free1 January 2020
Oddly enough, despite the blurb and the advertising marketing this as a 'lesbian' flick, I was much more taken with the other plot thread... a family struggling to deal with unthinkable tragedy. Their mother murdered, their father accused of the crime, two sisters and their kid brother forced to fend for themselves: pretty heavy stuff.
And it's powerful in places, especially with the added weight of the whole capital punishment debate. There wasn't really much need for the explicit sex scenes or a very awkward scene in a house where no-one knows Kim Mara's character is gay. Her and Ellen Page have reasonable chemistry, but I couldn't help but feel like their relationship was sometimes an unwelcome distraction from other more interesting stuff going on in the background.
Whatever. The material we do have here make it more than worth a watch. Give it a try. 6/10
And it's powerful in places, especially with the added weight of the whole capital punishment debate. There wasn't really much need for the explicit sex scenes or a very awkward scene in a house where no-one knows Kim Mara's character is gay. Her and Ellen Page have reasonable chemistry, but I couldn't help but feel like their relationship was sometimes an unwelcome distraction from other more interesting stuff going on in the background.
Whatever. The material we do have here make it more than worth a watch. Give it a try. 6/10
Worth watching.
Moviehound3332 June 2019
No this wasn't a perfect movie. The screenplay was a bit cheesy and sometimes the words seemed crammed in to make a point or more plainly to force an emotional moment, however,that does not take away the fact that it's a good story,and the acting. while not perfect, is damn good. Ellen page is a tour de force and Kate Mara plays a difficult role with ease and charm. Even without the whole lesbian element this is a good film just on the merits of the acting and story. Yes I would define this as an "indie" film, but don't let that keep you from watching, it's a damn good indie film.
Good story, honest emotions
evelynrae30 September 2021
The Death Penalty issue is secondary to the developing relationship between Ellen Page and Kate Mara. I liked the slow evolution of their feelings. Like any relationship there are no absolutes, rarely "happy-ever-afters." Nicely done.
Absolutely fantastic. Ellen Page and Kate Mara.... Just great acting and writing.
DynamicDannyl13 July 2019
Like I said it was absolutely fantastic. Ellen Page and Kate Mara.... perfect casting.
Note: The two actors are actually close real life friends which made the dynamics between the two actors, especially as lovers, exciting to watch and all the more beautiful. 10/10 all around.
Regards, DynamicDannyl
Note: The two actors are actually close real life friends which made the dynamics between the two actors, especially as lovers, exciting to watch and all the more beautiful. 10/10 all around.
Regards, DynamicDannyl
Great movie
Watchout9126 April 2020
This is a great movie and history with amazing actresses. Kate and Ellen did a really well done job and At the end I just wanted more, because time went by so fast and I was enjoying so much. Disclaimer Kate Mara stole my heart.
Great Movie!
jgaley-6074527 May 2019
It gives you small look at two sides of Issues that doesn't stop the lead actresses form crossing and learning more about each other. Showing that knowledge of someones stance doesn't allow them not to be loved. It takes thing further than all most any other show better display of actual life!
Compelling story.
jackiehicks-553765 October 2019
This film is rich and complex. The script is fine. The dialogue is succinct and nuanced, as are the performances of Ellen Paige and Kate Mara. Both do a terrific job. It's wonderful to see a lesbian love story that does not end in tragedy. And, to see these two actresses producing a film. Hope to see more from them.
Never have I ever written a review before
renokasrb14 April 2020
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