I've watched this film several times now and each time I watch it I just love it even more than before. This movie really takes you by surprise because every part of it is so well thought out and performed. It's layered with all these subtle and powerful messages. Dina Shihabi does such a great job as Amira and her character isn't meant to represent an entity, it's to showcase who she is as a person and how she is dealing with being caught between two worlds. Everything she does and says is about her as an individual and she is funny, independent and brave. Martin Starr does a really great job with Sam, you just instantly like him and you're rooting for him. Such a great performance, he really grounds the character of Sam. Paul Wesley just really blew me away as Charlie, his character is flawless and you can't help but like this character, even with his morally gray actions, you feel like his heart is in the right place but he has a strange way of going about things. I just love this film, its so funny and touching and the cast's strong performances paired with Sean's writing is superb! A must see!
Reviews
2 Reviews
Before I Disappear
(2014)
Gritty, humorous film with a lot of heart
24 October 2014
I saw this film at NorthEast Film Festival in NJ and from the moment this film started I was swept up and there is not a second that your mind wanders, every second of this film is visually stunning and diverse. You can't help but root and fall in love with Richie (Shawn Christensen) as he struggles through the evening's events. The dynamic between him and Sophia (Fatima Ptacek) is like catching lightning in a bottle, they make a fantastic duo. Fatima does a wonderful job of transitioning the younger Sophia from 'Curfew' to a more mature Sophia in 'Before I Disappear'. Even though the story is about a lot struggles and heartache, there are moments that have you laughing out loud. Each supporting character to Richie and Sophia's journey is so well cast. Paul Wesley as Gideon is simply phenomenal, as he creates a very diverse character within only a few appearances on screen. He manages to create so many subtle undertones with a performance that doesn't hit over the head with it, but leaves you with a deeper understanding of the character. Emmy Rossum as Maggie does an outstanding job of creating a real and emotional counterpart as the mother to Sophia's character. Ron Perlman is as fantastic as always and creates a very chilling presence on screen. Hats off to the multi talented Shawn, for directing, starring, writing and composing for this beautiful surprise of a film.
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