Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
Ouch, this movie really hits me hard. This movie is a good reminder of how life can still have it's beautiful moments despite it's devastating and dreadful moments life can be. Director Cole Webley perfectly captures the father and children relationship and the social realism that is explored throughout. How the reality can be a struggle due to the economic and social politics that are happening and having to witness a family going through this really hurts.
Presented with good camerawork, character dynamics and wonderful performances from John Magaro and the child actors. I am happy to see John Magaro getting more roles as he is a highly underrated actor who deserves to have more recognition. Alongside with some great nature dialogue, musical score and certain moments that did made me cry a bit. It pulls on the strings successfully.
The devastating landscapes what the characters are going through are both emotional and heartwarming. I love the social realism that the movie demonstrates without feeling manipulative or exploitive of its nature. With a short run-time, each moment was purposeful and realistic.
Overall, it's simple narrative successfully hits the punches.