Family Movie Review

This tiny indie movie is full of funny moments and stellar acting performances. I was one of four people in the theater so obviously this one isn’t really crushing the box office. But I have a feeling it’s because not a lot of people have heard of it. So I’m spreading the word so people will give it a chance.

Kate Stone (Taylor Schilling) is a type A business woman who really only cares about work. She steps on people to reach the next level of her career and doesn’t feel bad about it. She is blunt and at times downright mean. No one at work cares for her and she doesn’t have much of a personal life. Until her brother (Eric Edelstein) asks her to babysit his middle school age daughter Maddie (Bryn Vale) for a few days.

This one is predictable enough, with a journey of self discovery coming via Kate’s time spent with Maddie who is admittedly a little strange. But in a great way. Maddie ditches ballet class to go to karate and she is constantly making weapons and battling inanimate objects. There’s a really excellent scene where Kate witnesses Maddie full on attacking a tree with a homemade weapon. Vale provides a strong presence in the movie and does a great job portraying a loner middle schooler who can’t fit in with the other kids.

Schilling is the best part of the movie. Her comedic moments are on point and it’s so refreshing to see her play a character other than Piper from Orange is the New Black. Schilling does a great job of portraying Kate as a real asshole but also oddly very endearing and sympathetic. Oh, also there’s a hilarious ending that involves the Insane Clown Posse and one of their Gatherings. I’m not sure it can get more interesting than that. I can’t say enough great things about this one! See it!

Film or Movie: Movie

You’ll like this movie if:

1. You want to see Taylor Schilling in something other than OITNB

2. You were a loner in middle school or you’re a loner adult now

3. You want to see the Insane Clown Posse inserted into a movie beautifully