In an age of diminishing trust of institutions, this film is surprisingly topical, capturing the doubts and instability of attempting a life "off the grid". Powerful performances throughout. Milo Gibson has his father's emotional intensity, and the powder keg is lit when a government social worker starts asking questions. Annet Mahendru gives a layered performance as a loving mother struggling to hold on to sanity. Both daughters were excellent, making the best of an uncertain future. The cinematography beautifully captures the rural mountain backdrop, while also revealing the many avenues for dysfunction and danger that linger there. A nuanced and unexpected gem.
Review of Manifest West
