Daruma

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anonymous The acting was strong, and the storyline was quite original. The performance by Tobias Forrest was especially impressive. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Zander S What a joy. I had few expectations going in as indie films can be a mixed bag but this was a delightful road trip movie about a guy in a wheel chair who finds out he has a 4-year old daughter, realizes hes not parent material, and then needs his next door neighbor to help him drive her across the country to live with her grandparents. The neighbor happens to be a double amputee with hooks for hands. The disability thing is interesting since its not what the storys about. It just is. The film could easily stray into sappy territory but doesnt. The characters and their choices feel real, for lack of a better word. The fathers path to redemption is anything but straight and the neighbor has a some demons of his own to reckon with. Theres a love interest who overlooks some major red flags in search of companionship but then refuses to be a doormat. Without spoiling anything, everyone doesnt get a fairytale ending. Its a familiar-feeling story but it has enough moments that dont go as expected to keep it feeling fresh and interesting. That speaks to good writing. The directing is similarly solid with the story flowing smoothly and no potholes to jar me out of it. There are some really beautiful shots, the music choices are excellent, and the acting is strong all around. The little girl and the grandpa got me genuinely choked up a couple of times. Ive been pretty disappointed by the big Hollywood offerings in what I think we can all agree has been a pretty stressful year. Daruma is the ray of sunshine I didnt know I needed. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/20/24 Full Review Curtis W Daruma is a touching and beautifully crafted road trip drama that delivers both heart and authenticity. The film follows Patrick, a man with disabilities who suddenly finds himself responsible for his young daughter, Camilla. Realizing he can’t raise her alone, he teams up with his neighbor, Robert, for a journey across the country to bring Camilla to her grandparents. What makes this movie so powerful is its dedication to real representation. Tobias Forrest and John W. Lawson, both actors with disabilities, bring incredible depth to their roles, creating characters that feel genuine and fully realized. Their dynamic is filled with raw emotion, humor, and growth, while Abigail Hawk’s portrayal of Camilla adds a layer of warmth and innocence that ties it all together. Visually, the film captures the beauty of the open road while keeping the focus on the emotional journey of its characters. With a perfect mix of heartfelt moments, humor, and themes of family and redemption, Daruma is an unforgettable story that proves indie films can be just as impactful as anything from Hollywood. It’s an absolute must-watch for anyone who appreciates meaningful, character-driven storytelling. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/25 Full Review G W The film takes a moment to get into but stick with it - it gets so good. And it doesn't fall into any of the tropes you would expect an indie to fall into. I don't want to give any spoilers but I thought the love storyline was going to go one way and it went completely the other and I was soooooo glad. Everyone was really well-cast in their roles and I read that the two lead actors both got best acting awards for their performances which I can see. This should be on your watch lists as well as your playlists. Music is so important in a film and this indie did a really good job of selecting some really awesome music to play for the duration of the film. Nice job all around - a breath of fresh air! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/25 Full Review Natalie S This is an amazing film that showcases the power of representation and authentic storytelling. The two leads deliver performances so raw and emotionally resonant that they transcend the screen, drawing you deep into their journey. Their chemistry real, their struggles and triumphs achingly familiar. It is impossible not to root for them in the end. The film’s authenticity is amplified by the actors’ ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure, creating characters that are both relatable and deeply inspiring. Their nuanced portrayals left me in tears more than once, a testament to the depth of their performances and the weight of the story they tell. Daruma isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a must-watch for anyone who values extraordinary acting and heartfelt storytelling. I can’t recommend it enough. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/28/24 Full Review Bobby K This movie popped up as a recommended watch on amazon and I had a movie credit so I was like what the heck why not. I don't rent a lot of indie films I usually stick to stuff the studios release but watching this movie was not only like going back in time a little bit and being dropped in a movie where you could tell people actually cared about making it but the storyline was really good too. So many movies now are just a lot of action and fancy editing and they forget that people watch movies to see themselves on the screen. I'm not disabled but I'm a dad and this really spoke to me and made me choke up in a few places. The actors were very good and I wasn't disappointed. I'm glad I took a chance on this film. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/24/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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