User Reviews

"Runoff" illuminates how Big Ag is literally shifting the landscape. Starting with the soil, corporate monoliths are corrupting our American roots and bankrupting the small, family farmers who have fed our nation. If you're looking for light fare, come back and watch "Runoff" when you're in the mood to dig into what's deeply wrong with our system and the rot at its core...this movie is more heart of darkness. The acting is A+ across the board from lead Joanne Kelly, who I had never seen before to character actor Tom Bower who's been in everything from Crazy Heart to Die Hard 2. I love docs like Food Inc and movies like Erin Brockovich but if you're looking for something more challenging, you'll probably get a lot out of "Runoff."

I like slice of life films where not much happens, but this one is pretty weak. The acting unspectacular. The audio is bad, and they obviously couldn't afford a dialect coach. There is no real insight into any of the character's lives, and none of the characters are the least bit colorful. The portrayal of the local environment that usually makes this kind of movie interesting is almost nonexistent. There is no real drama. There is only occasional visual interest.

I wasn't planning on reviewing this movie, but after seeing all the ten star reviews I had to object. I wish IMDb could do something about this. I realize it's hard if not impossible to control this activity. Anyone can easily see what's going on. Still, it is annoying.

I wish a six month period of membership were required before someone could write a review, but this wouldn't be fair to IMDb or to impartial reviewers.

At least the reviewer should have to check off a box saying they are unbiased and have no affiliation with the movie's production or distribution.

This kind of activity is all over IMDb and detracts from a really great site. THESE REVIEWERS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!

The critics got it right. The movie is at best mediocre.

I think I wasted my time watching this movie for however long it was. They had too much going on. Each character which I've never seen before had their own story to tell. I understand that this really do happens in real life and when you are backed into a corner you may make dumb decision. I'm just glad they didn't kill the young sheriff. There was actually other people to kill, i.e. the husband and or the son.

What parent don't try to intervene when their child gets a bloody lip or a black and blue eye? Why show us a clip of the son's co-worker and the husband in the truck and not say what the heck that was about? You are left to wander and ask too many questions in this movie.

One last thing, the trailer was very misleading and the ending again you are left with more questions.

I love movies, but my most frequent complaint is that they tend to wrap everything up so nicely in a 90-minute package that it's like eating artificially flavored candy. In most movies, the story is too strong, the flavors are too calculated. I don't think I've ever encountered a film like this that takes its time and trusts the viewer to come into the film. The story of RUNOFF is simple, a mother and father are at loggerheads over how to deal with the fact that they're about to lose their farm, and they start keeping secrets from each other (no spoiler). This was filmed in Kentucky, and the land is a beautiful character. Meditative shots of the water and land are there to give the audience time to think, in between the action. Watching this film is in some ways more like reading a book than seeing a typical film -- I hope this is a new way forward for cinema. Bravo.

RUNOFF is a true movie-lover's movie. It takes us into a world that most of us know little about and explores it with a sophistication and class rarely seen in a debut film. The last half hour will have you on the edge of your seat. Joanne Kelly is a true star, her face brings you in like a silent movie star's would. It was so refreshing to see a movie that could have been so righteous dogmatic, instead allow its political charge to be simply experiential. It takes a tremendous amount of faith in the characters and the story to do that. Levin doesn't just present you this world, she puts you in surround sound of it. You truly feel as if you are there. Throughout the entire piece, her camera is enveloping you in the everyday beauty of this environment, and you will (like Betty) feel compelled to protect it with all you have.

I think I was expecting something preachy, something heavy handed. But instead Kimberly Levin succeeded in doing something that's very difficult to pull off: she wrote and directed an incredibly engaging story that MIGHT have an agenda, but instead entices the viewer to ask questions not only of the motivations of the characters, but of themselves. There wasn't a moment in which I felt bullied into a point of view. It's provocative in the best way possible. I loved this movie so much I watched it twice. The cinematography was beautiful and the acting heart felt and honest. The mother's choices were complex, and portrayed very convincingly by Joanne Kelly. I wanted to hug the children, who also did a great acting job. It left me wanting to know more about them and watch to see what kind of people they would grow into. Well done!

Runoff will make you laugh, make you cry, re-examine your moral fiber and take you on a thrilling journey of how family values create deep introspection. This family faces everyday problems just as any family does and tries to solve each members problems with a positive outcome, even though it may be unrealistic. The warmth of tones and colors of the landscape plus the nature sounds of the film encompass you and take you to reside with the family in the countryside. You will engage and relate to the difficult choices and decisions this family must make to try and move forward with their lives. The director and cast make this well written drama a cinema must see.

A great study into the depth of the soul of which a person will sell themselves for the need, the very depth of that dark corner inside, to protect their family. Ms.Joanne Kelly is outstanding as is the writing. The underlining story of the son rebelling against the norm of following in the family path was outstanding. The father's subtle disapproval was only matched by the mother's need to protect and understand. The final scene as Betty drove away, the look off set by the contents in the back of the truck, drove the final nail home at the determination, at all costs, to save the way of life at any cost.I drove almost four hours to the only theater in my state airing this work of art. And it was worth every mile.

Runoff is a fascinating new film by first time film director Kimberly Levin.

The film is about life in rural America, but unlike the usual simplistic, nostalgic and idealized portrayals which we often get when presented with stories of "life on the farm," Levin's film realistically tackles subjects confronting farmers in the here-and-now.

What is particularly interesting is that Levin poses the economic challenges of small farmers and small farm service industry workers as a series of moral choices many with devastating consequences, on people and on the environment. The actors are top-notch. The cinematography is personal and at times epic and lyrical. This was a wonderful film.

The lead actor, Joanne Kelly, "Betty," was especially great. Although full of outer beauty, she is no Hollywood actress "playing at" being a farmer. Joanne Kelly does all of her farm work like a pro, adding realism and dignity to her role. The same can be said for all of the other actors as well. All of them seem to truly inhabit their roles.

All in all, Runoff is a great film and should be seen widely by those who want to know more about the complexities of modern farm life, and for those who want to see a deeply affecting story about personal moral choices and their consequences.

The writing, cinematography, and actors' performances were brilliant. This was the first time I saw Joanne Kelly (Betty) in a film, and I was enthralled with her acting and her beauty. Kudos to Kim Levine (Director) who created an outstanding film! Kim's former career as a biochemist and then a playwright collide to create an attention grabbing, thought provoking movie. The film was set in rural Kentucky and there are beautiful shots of Kentucky farmland that create a 'calm' in the middle of a 'storm'. As the film progresses, the tension between morality and desperation builds … and the resulting emotions linger when one leaves the cinema.

The film as a whole has great pace and makes you fall in love with middle America Farmland and the people who work it. It is a very honest look at middle to lower class farmers, American families, nature and corporate America. The acting was superb from all of the actors. They brought me into their world and showed me around. The Director, Kimberly Levin, took care of me as an audience member and got her very specific point of view across without beating me over the head with it (which was so refreshing). I cannot believe this is Kimberly Levin's first feature. It is superb! It is painfully beautiful and real, in the best way possible.

This was a wonderful film. The lead actor, Joanne Kelly, "Betty," was incredible. I'd only seen her before on the SyFy channel show "Warehouse 13," but this was a very pleasant departure her character on Warehouse. Kelly plays a wife, a mother, a neighbor and friend, and ultimately a person struggling to get by when left with no good choices. As her family business is crumbling and her home goes into foreclosure, she is offered an under-the-table job that could provide seedy but desperately needed income. As the story continues we watch Betty struggle with her decision whether or not to take the job, how to take the job, and then how to actually do the job without getting caught.

We, the viewer, struggle with Kelly's character as it makes us realize we'd likely do the same seedy, illegal job ourselves when placed between a rock and a hard place. But Betty's decision will come with a price and the story forces the viewer successfully to reflect on the bigger picture. How widely do our decisions affect others? We realize things are not black and white. Even the people doing the "bad things" in this film, are doing them just to get by. Would we do any differently ourselves? Right and wrong aren't as easy to differentiate as we might have thought.

This is a very impressive first film! The writing, cinematography, and actors' performances were terrific. The lead actress and the two children in particular were excellent, and the husband/wife relationship was very well-portrayed. Without giving anything away, the plot puts a lot on the wife's shoulders, and the lead actress, who seems to have been perfectly cast, conveys that pressure/responsibility very convincingly. Again, the cinematography deserves a lot of praise: there are some very beautiful shots of nature and of more or less industrial farming that very effectively set the tone. Overall an excellent final product.

Really wasn't sure what this film was about when I entered the theater, but once it began I was gripped by the steady yet suspenseful rhythms of the film. Don't want to give anything away, but it was a great commentary on the food industry and the corruption that entwines itself with big corporate greed.

What's great about the film is that it tells the story through the eyes of a small-town family, and the results are both moving and frightening.

Kimberly Levin is a director to watch! It's hard to believe this is her first feature film. I will be on the lookout for more of her work!

This is a great movie that grabs the audience's attention from the moment the movie starts. There is something in the movie for everyone. It was shot in Kentucky but the message is something that everyone, everywhere can relate to. Whether you are from the country or a huge city, you will enjoy the movie.The plot is interesting and makes you think while also entertaining. The director did a great job with casting engaging actors. The shots are brilliant and the actors have great chemistry. This movie will make you smile, cry, laugh, think and want to make a change.

A must see. Rating this movie anything under a 10 is a crime!

I loved this movie. It's rare for a film to contain such a strong message without feeling like you're being lectured to or preached at. Amazing performances--I had never heard of Joanne Kelly (Betty) before this, but she gives such a natural yet powerful performance, as do the rest of the actors.

Runoff makes you think, not just about environmental issues and problems facing our food supply, but about the moral dilemmas we face and who we prioritize and how far around ourselves we draw a circle. Even if you have no attachment or awareness of farming communities and the challenges they face, you find that you connect with the characters on a personal level.

Even more impressive that this is the first feature from director/writer Kimberly Levin--hope this film gets a wide release, it deserves to be seen on the big screen!

Runoff is an excellent film. It is a soul searching film that will make you think twice about your own life and your own decisions. The answer is not always black or white.

Joanne Kelly was remarkable in her performance. I had only seen her in comedic roles, like 'Warehouse 13', but not in a dramatic role. She really brings the viewer in to her character and allows you to feel what she is thinking.

Neal Huff delivered as a husband and father trying his best to provide for his family against tremendous odds. I had only seen Neal in a small role on 'Fringe' before this. Neal definitely went the distance with this character.

Darlene Hunt was a great supporting actress as Paula. She brought depth and dimension to the whole family struggle.

Alex Shaffer brought such realism to the character of Finley. Expect to see more of this young actor.

The little boy, Kivlighan de Montebello, was just amazing. A natural. Excited to see what this actor does next.

The cinematography was beautiful. The score was moving.

The use of real working farms, while difficult for filming, added greatly to the realism and authenticity.

All in all, a movie you could get lost in.

Excellent film by director and writer Kimberly Levin.

"Runoff" is a film about a middle class farming family that has found themselves falling on hard times. Betty, the mother of this family, must decide whither to put her personal morals aside to help them out of their rut or watch as their small town life's begin to unravel even more around them.

The story is something many people have found themselves experiencing more and more today with the economic hardships. But to see it from a rural stand point just proves how universal the films themes of survival are. You can be from an Urban or Suburban area and still understand what these characters are going through, and decide on if you agree with their actions in the end.

The film also gives a great glimpse into the Farming community itself! Almost shot documentary style, we get an inside glimpse of the underbelly of how farms are run and the competitiveness that there is between the small town farmers and the big corporations. You really discover that there isn't really a difference between the American Cultures when you examine them under the microscope that this film brings to light, and that is due part by the fantastic script that Kimberly Levin presents and her directing style.

A great script and story isn't all that this film has to offer though, it's cast is stellar. Especially Joanne Kelly, mostly known for her role in "Warehouse 13", who carries the film. For those who are fans of her work as Myka Bering they will be shocked to see her very stripped down and completely raw in what I want to say is probably one of her best performances! Even with there being so little dialog in some scenes just her presence conveys so much.

It's not all seriousness either. The story is able to bring out a few good laughs along with really making us examine our own moral values in the end. It's certainly a small film that needs to be shown in a bigger light and totally worth checking out!

One of the most compelling films I've seen this year, Runoff is a beautifully constructed narrative that tackles relevant and pressing issues surrounding our food industry. Rare to see a dramatic narrative, with such gorgeous cinematography and multi-dimensional performances, address ecological questions that are usually left to documentary filmmaking.

Runoff doesn't push you to feel one thing or another, but gently guides the viewer on a captivating, haunting journey alongside the characters. The editing and sound design are particularly striking, and in combination with the cinematography, set design & unique color palette throughout, Runoff has a distinctive and unforgettable feel.

Intelligent filmmaking at it's finest, Runoff is a must see!

Runoff is a filmmakers film. The pacing is deliberate, expertly building to the unexpected climax which leaves you thinking about it well into the ride home from the theater. You can tell right away that much care was taken to deliver a rich and authentic story.

This is not the feel-good movie of the year and if you're looking for 90 minutes of fast-paced action, look elsewhere. But if you want to see a true indie film made by a true indie filmmaker then see Runoff today. I know nobody buys DVD's anymore but if this comes out on disc, I want to own it.

Bravo!

The film is a finely crafted study of the slippery slope of moral compromise, set in a farming community of quite sympathetic and very believable characters going about lives of day-to-day and decision- to-decision, quiet survival. Superbly and beautifully shot with understated visuals that gently draw one in, the viewer becomes involved in a worsening chain of difficult paths the characters feel they must take, although they know that the outcomes could be failure of their finances, their morals, and their responsibilities to their children.

The writer and director, Kimberly Levin (who brings stage directing experience to the task), displays a sure hand, uses no cheap tricks, and -- above all -- keeps faith with her viewers by framing conflicts honestly and by offering no easy answers. And despite whatever superlatives I use, the film is better than the words I can bring to bear describing it. See it: you will be enriched, as I was.