Good evening, everyone! I'm Mr. C Reviewer, and tonight we'll be diving into the film I Am Still Here. I had the opportunity to watch the movie on fawesome. This movie originally premiered on August 5, 2017, and has a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It is rated for viewers aged 18 and older. Notably, parts of the film were filmed in California, USA. The estimated budget for I Am Still Here was around $250,000. As someone on the autism spectrum, I found subtitles to be incredibly helpful, greatly enhancing my ability to follow the dialogue throughout the film. The film was both directed and written by Mischa Marcus.
Summary: At just ten years old, Layla's life takes a devastating turn when her simple act of kindness inadvertently leads to her abduction.
Review: -The film's opening, featuring Layla's discovery and subsequent hospitalization, sets a powerful tone for the narrative. We then encounter Layla at ten years old in an ordinary suburban environment before her abduction, creating a stark contrast between her innocence and the imminent threat of child trafficking. This juxtaposition captivates viewers and exposes the harsh reality of human trafficking lurking in plain sight. The portrayal of kindness morphing into betrayal is particularly striking, underscoring how easily children can fall victim to such heinous crimes, often with the involvement of other children in their abduction. I appreciated how the movie raises awareness about human trafficking, highlights trauma's impact on victims, critiques societal indifference, offers hope for recovery, and encourages active engagement against these injustices. The film's architecture skilfully highlights Layla's intense journey, building an emotional climax that profoundly connects with viewers. Through the use of flashbacks, the narrative unveils Layla's past experiences, which are essential for comprehending her character and the trauma she faces. The casting choices in the film were commendable, as the lead actors delivered some powerful performances that infused their roles with emotional depth. Johnny's portrayal of a manipulative pimp stood out, effectively capturing the chilling essence of a sociopathic character who embodies the predatory traits of exploiting the vulnerable, eliciting both fear and sympathy from the audience. Aliyah's performance as young Layla was equally impressive; she adeptly expressed innocence and confusion in the face of her traumatic experiences, showcasing remarkable talent for her age. Although there were moments of genuine emotion throughout the film, some scenes veered into melodrama and lacked authenticity, with certain actors struggling to fully convey the gravity of their roles or deliver lines convincingly enough to sustain immersion in such a weighty narrative. The soundtrack significantly amplifies the emotional resonance of pivotal scenes, while the raw and unsettling sound effects complement the film's depiction of trauma and suffering. This deliberate choice in sound design deeply immerses audiences in Layla's journey, rendering her experiences more visceral and impactful.
-The film presented an impressively realistic portrayal of gore, arguably one of the most authentic I have encountered in cinema thus far. I appreciated its cinematography, which utilized a diverse array of shot types to effectively enhance the narrative. However, I felt that close-ups were somewhat overused throughout the film. I was relieved that some scenes were not explicitly shown; instead, they were skilfully implied. The gentle lighting established a nuanced atmosphere that I found appealing; however, while all the essential elements in each frame were distinctly visible, some parts could have benefited from additional brightness. Personally, I often adjust my screen's brightness for a better viewing experience, which proved particularly helpful during this film.
-I enjoyed encountering several characters in the film, particularly Detective Amy, who provided support for Layla. I appreciated how the narrative revealed the backstories of some characters and explored the circumstances surrounding their abduction within the movie.
-I appreciated the film's ending for its depiction of survival and elements of recovery; however, I believe it is essential to present more nuanced representations that accurately reflect the ongoing challenges faced by survivors after trafficking.
I rate each film I watch out of 10 and for this one, I give it a 8 Remember this was what I thought about the movie personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
