stevenortontv This story is such an interesting one as it does not focus on 'defeating a villain' or getting somewhere or even doing anything. No, this film follows Bonnie on her recovery from a traumatic event just trying to live her life. Not trying to capture the bad guy, just trying to deal with what happened as best she can.The subplot of the police trying to find the rapist is commonly brought up throughout but is dropped when they cannot id him. I genuinely thought the story would pursue this plot and it would turn out that Bonnie would already know her attacker but i am very glad it did not. If it had done, it would have taken some of the focus from Bonnie and her story. The conflict is very clearly at the start but the rest of the film holds it's own and tells a great story. A story of normal people living their normal lives, all whilst dealing with what has happened to Bonnie, most importantly Bonnie dealing with herself.Very well made film, great acting, writing and direction.

Red_Identity This was one of the biggest surprises of the year for me. Had no real expectations going into it, and was pretty floored by how authentic the whole film is. The film deals with a very common, painful scenario and it's one of the best films I have seen to deal with it in such a genuine, realistic way. The writing and dialogue is incredibly natural, and the film is helped by having two very strong, raw performances at its core. I had only seen Stephanie Beatriz in the always great, always consistent show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and here she gives a powerhouse of a dramatic performance. She's heartbreaking. Also powerful is Michael Stahl-David, who's equally as great at Beatriz in perfectly delivering the material in such an honest way. I strongly recommend this to anyone who hasn't seen it. Strong writing and acting make this a must-see.

joearcidiacono This film really moved me. It is an intense journey but well worth it. It has a naturalism and realism that is rare to find. The story is simple but not easy. A woman, Bonnie, is raped one night walking home from a bar early in the film and spends the rest of the film trying to find a way to move forward with her life. The director and writer, Jessica Thompson, brings her characters to life in such a way that you really want to walk down this road with them. The drive of the film is not from any gimmicks or tricks, just a clear eyed appraisal of real people having real struggles. Stephanie Beatriz brings the lead role, Bonnie, to life in a courageous and moving performance, layered and rich. Many of the supporting actors also did great work. I also really connected with Conrad Ricamora, who plays her best friend. This story is one that would resonate at any time, but given this moment in our history where a dark history of sexual assault is finally getting to be acknowledged, it could not have come out at a better time.

LacyTelles This is a very moving film about a woman who survives a sexual assault, but almost doesn't survive the emotional aftermath when she chooses to keep silent about the experience. Before you worry that it is a "feel bad" movie, I assure you it is anything but. This is a drama, but the lead actress Stephanie Beatriz brings her comedic charm into the role, making her character that much more appealing. Truthfully, Stephanie Beatriz is so incredible in this film, I just don't know who else could've made the writing and her character pop the same way she did. This is a film about relationships, about the reality of sexual assault, about living in New York City, and about one woman's attempt to cope. I highly recommend it!