Change Your Image
susie-72
Reviews
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020)
For Those Of You Who Missed the Bus
**SPOILER**
The reason there is a prolonged scene with the "stepfather" drunkenly carrying on with the dog, is because it is a stand-in for what happened to our protagonist.
Similarly, although she loves her mom, she is afraid to tell her what happened, that the "man of the house" has raped her. She feels horrified and like most young rape victims, guilty that someone this is all her fault. The shame is profound, as well as the sting of injustice.
She is trapped, economically, socially. She also had a lot of what used to be called working class dignity, and does not want to accept charity from anyone.
The first "fake" technician that discovers the heroine's pregnancy, is a Christian forced birther missionary who is running a clinic to trap young women into giving birth, with inadequate information. She hopes to "farm" the baby to one of her families, that's how she makes money and believes in her cause. These kind of evangelical baby farm clinics are notorious (read multiple news stories) in their financial exploitation, their funding by PAC's, and the faux medical care they provide.
Any woman who's had a period, a baby, an abortion, a miscarriage, who's helped a friend of a family member go through this - will feel this movie directly in their womb. It is not the least bit boring if one has a shred of empathy. It's also very well made. The director knew the kind of emotional state she wanted to travel in.
The characters feel so real. I was yearning at the end, wishing I knew "what happened after this?" And of course hoping that there would be means of escape. I know these two cousins will be friends for life. There is nothing like a friend who is there for you through thick and thin.
Cleaner Daze (2018)
Finally, Santa Cruz with no pulled punches!
Santa Cruz is known to most of the world as a surf and redwoods paradise, where you come to "get away from it all." But in Cleaner Daze, you're gonna hear the locals' side, you're gonna see Santa Cruz from the "wrong" side of the tracks. In this case, it's chiva tracks, heroin rehab, the lumpen side of a seaside resort. The story is GLORIOUS, satiric, and funny as hell- it crawls under your skin from the very first episode. I love seeing Santa Cruz *not* shot as a penny postcard- even though its siren beauty is undeniable. That's part of the pain and the wisdom.The plot concerns a cynical-yet-dogged drug rehab for "juvenile delinquents," and the "new gal" who comes there as a counselor-- she was once a junkie herself. The characters who make up the Center feel like real people i know in my neighborhood-- and, they are! Many are actor-novices in recovery themselves. The ones you'll remember? Their performances are amazing. I can't tell you how much I love and laugh about keeping it real in SC, and finally seeing the whole rehab system given a respectful yet wicked appraisal. If you have sacred cows about addiction, please milk them and leave them at the door. This is too spot-on to miss.