I rarely write reviews of movies, but this one deserves the time investment. First, let me say I have been a mental health provider for 25+ years, so some of the characters in this movie remind me of "real" people I have treated who have "real" problems. Truly, as the movie notes, "choices have consequences!" This movie is NOT "entertainment" in the most commonly used sense. Rather, it is extremely disturbing and thought-provoking--if you allow yourself to go there. One earlier reviewer focused on the "technical" aspects of the movie and marked it down. Fair enough--it is a low-budget, independent film! However, if one is willing to look past the surface aspects, it will be quite a ride! Many of the characters have negative outcomes and just keep sliding downward, but others overcome adversity and experience triumph and joy--just like in "real life". The film proceeds in flash frame sequence over several years; it took me a while to figure out how everyone is related and intertwined--and this is both a deliberate and effective device on the part of the director. Having viewed a DVD copy, I had to stop and go back several times. I finally figured out how everyone fit together, and in so doing, was handsomely rewarded, as there is a rich and complex tapestry of secrets and motivations interwoven throughout. I think it is well worth the watch. The movie is NOT a happy one; rather, it is a serious drama and overall, downright depressing. Don't watch this if you're already sad or looking for a RomCom! However, its message rings of truth and challenges the (thoughtful) viewer to ponder critically one's sexual beliefs and behavioral choices (past and future). If you "like" movies that "create a stir," but without being "preachy" this is a must-see. The director does not tell you what to think, nor passes judgment on his various character's choices, and rightly so. Rather, he provides a superstructure within which the viewer must decide morality, right and wrong, good and evil. This is more of a "blank canvas" movie. You get out of it in direct proportion to what you put into it. As such, it is a "thinking person's" movie, not a mindless or superficial sex film. I finally had to draw out a map of everyone to keep track of the complex interactions. So without giving too much away, a list of the main characters (not in order of appearance), is included for those, (who like me), who are frustrated by not understanding the "big picture" as one moves along. That being said, I recommend you watch the movie first without the benefit of this information, then consult it afterward (or during if you wish). Dr. Peter Gross, OB/GYN. Husband of Lauren Gross, father of adult children Jack, Mindy, and Andy. Lauren Gross, wife of Peter. Having affair with Rob, the artist. Jack Gross, stock broker. Highly promiscuous and a toxic Narcissist. Mindy Gross, nurse. Girlfriend and eventual wife of Dave. Andy Gross, high school student/football player. Baby of the family. Virgin at start of movie. Shea, artist. Live-in girlfriend of Jack Gross. Has drug/alcohol problem and probably bulimia. Dave, self-employed (secretly as a gigolo). Boyfriend and eventual husband of Mindy. Shea is an early customer. Blonde waitress (name?). Single mother of Cathy. Gets abortion at beginning of movie. Cathy, blonde high school student. Girlfriend of Jack, whom he impregnates. Rob, self-employed artist. In long-term affair with Lauren Gross. Uptown Suzy, prostitute. Mentally retarded, incest victim, and screwed by many males, including Andy. Jeni and Steve, friends of Mindy. Jeni engaged and Steve is the bartender at her bachelorette party. "Chastity"/Beth Ann. Stripper that Jack becomes involved with. Transvestite. Hired by Jack to hook up with Dave. Pam and Connie. Cameo appearances as Andy's college girlfriends. First Grandchild of Peter and Lauren. Son of Mindy and Dave.
Review of InSearchOf
