This indie feature is an odd duck. It's almost glacierly slow. Long periods go by with just a babbling creek, or some ducks, or just the wind blowing through the forest. When the film opened, I didn't know what to expect. I was wondering if I'd be presented with random nature shot with sound. But, be patient, there is actually a story here.
Atticus (Silas Yelich) is a 'sensitive' teenager, who lives in a very rural part of upper New York state. He lives with his mother, Nicole (Lili Taylor). They seem to have a good relationship, but Atticus is prone to just wander off into the forest, finding abandoned places, or empty spaces. They're poor, but they manage, with some help from concerned friends. Nicole works as an office cleaner. They surprisingly have a nice car, and they stop for items placed by the side of the road. They conserve electricity by having 'pioneer nights' and light candles.
Nicole is sick. The film doesn't dwell on it at all, just let's us know. Atticus doesn't know what to do about it, and wants to help, but can't. Something happens, and Atticus retreats to the forest that he loves.
I'm ambivalent about the film. It's a moody piece, and terrible things are always threatening. The film is very low-keyed. Most people raised on spectaculars won't like it, I'm betting, since it takes a long time to get started. Some will really like it, and watch it again.
Tom Gilroy wrote and directed. Gilroy's 'Touch Base' was included on my DVD. It features an outstanding performance by Lili Taylor. Gilroy is more noted as an actor, but he did direct 'Spring Forward (1999).
Unrated, but probably a PG-13 film
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