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brent m Sexual assault is a subject that carries important implications on multiple fronts, and it deserves serious treatment when committed to film. Unfortunately, writer-director Shatara Michelle Ford's debut feature leaves much to be desired in its handling of the topic. While the picture's heart may be in the right place -- a look at the often-frustrating handling involved in collecting forensic evidence in a rape case -- its execution of the story often misses the mark. Some issues and events are needlessly stretched out, while others receive short shrift and others still are addressed somewhat flippantly (a genuinely surprising approach in a story like this). I'm certainly not suggesting that the film lacks merit, but it surely could have been constructed more effectively than how it comes across in its current version. Admittedly, this release features some fine performances and intriguing cinematography, but the overall package is uneven, weakening whatever insights the film has to offer. Considerable retooling is necessary to fulfill this offering's potential and to convey the message of a subject that deserves better treatment. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Interesting for sure, and pretty strong for a debut feature. I didn't buy the central relationship at the beginning of the film, but I did start to towards the end. Really harrowing subject matter for this one and it presents it in a pretty thoughtful way. The biggest issue is the music. It's able to draw so much tension out of moments that don't have any of it at all but I find so many of the needle drops to be so off-kilter and confusing. It feels like some of these songs were selected to show contrast and nothing more. Not a bad intent, but my goodness Tchaikovski's "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker is such an inappropriate song choice to me for this attempting-to-be-eye-opening film about sexual assault. Had no clue why it was in this movie, let alone the specific scene it was in. Seemed like it only existed for the smash cut away from it, and that isn't motivation to me enough to put in a song that "beautiful" in a film that is anything but. I'd love to hear or see any other interpretations, but I just found the music choices to consistently take me out of the film and completely lose me. Very competent director that I'm sure to check out the next work from, just hope to see the music strategies either changed or reflected more appropriately next time. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member I loved the concept of the movie, however, I think that it could have been more to the evidence of the rape. Like why didn't she ask questions if the officer asked for surveillance of the club. The ending was horrible. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Cave W The agenda overrode the characters and the drama. It was so obviously an Issue Movie that it forgot to be a good movie. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 04/20/21 Full Review Audience Member Waste of time and money. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Finally, an indie movie with social relevance that understands film making is more than sticking a camera in the corner while two people talk. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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