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The Reception

Released Jul 15, 2005 1h 15m Drama List
68% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 30% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
In upstate New York, Jeannette (Pamela Holden Stewart), a divorcée, lives with her companion, Martin (Wayne Lamont Sims), an HIV-positive artist. Since Martin is gay and ill, the relationship they share is based on everything but sex. One day, Jeannette finds her estranged daughter, Sierra (Maggie Burkwit), on her doorstep with a new husband, Andrew (Darien Sills-Evans), hoping to get her hands on an inheritance. During their stay, secrets and lies are exposed.
The Reception

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Critics Consensus

An appealingly small-scale drama that grapples with a variety of thought-provoking themes, The Reception finds moments of truth in its thorny dynamics.

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Critics Reviews

View All (22) Critics Reviews
Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times Handsome and perceptive, The Reception serves as a reminder that it is possible to make a polished, worldly and witty adult entertainment on a modest budget. Rated: 4/5 Oct 6, 2005 Full Review Mario Tarradell Dallas Morning News Never maudlin. Rated: B+ Aug 20, 2005 Full Review Dana Stevens New York Times With its direct and nuanced treatment of the complexities of racial prejudice, sexual orientation and addiction, The Reception is a quietly ambitious and memorable film. Rated: 3.5/5 Jul 15, 2005 Full Review Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Digitally filmed on a shoestring budget, "The Reception" is an ugly-looking movie occupied by artificial characters going through the motions of familial unrest and gay attraction. Rated: D- Apr 16, 2009 Full Review Doris Toumarkine Film Journal International Casting, acting, pacing and storytelling are all expertly done and the film technically is an eye-pleaser. Mar 1, 2007 Full Review Andy Klein Los Angeles CityBeat ...a rewarding and engaging 75-minute chamber piece. Dec 15, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (5) audience reviews
Audience Member Mostly good acting but horrible cinematography. The storyline was ok, but sort of random (not everything had enough of a point to justify its presence). The movie had potential but it wasn't what it could have been. Completely wasted two fantastic actors. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member an interesting look at lies, deception, race and sexuality all converging in a head on collision Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member Lots of twists and turns that make it interesting. The actors all do a nice job. The flaw in this movie is the story upon which it is based is simply not a good storyline. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member The Music is this movie is great. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review walter m In "The Reception", Jeanette(Pamela Stewart) and Martin(Wayne Lamont Sims) live on 300 acres in upstate New York but it's not really what you think. Jeanette is a wealthy French emigre while Martin is an artist who paints in the farmhouse and carries out odd tasks on the land. Martin also takes care of Jeanette who is in a fragile state and is pretty much through physically with men. Martin is gay. Their existence is pretty much routine until Jeanette's daughter, Sierra(Margaret Burkwit) shows up with her recently married husband, Andrew(Darren Sills-Evans) in tow for Jeanette's birthday.(Andrew is a law student.) Jeanette and Sierra have not seen each other in about three years and are very much estranged.(Jeanette had Sierra at a very early age and was admittedly not a very good mother.) Needless to say, revelations and complications fly fast and furious. "The Reception" does cover some familiar ground but it is well-acted by a very capable cast, especially Wayne Lamont Sims. And it certainly helps that Stewart and Burkwit do look like they could be mother and daughter. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Reception

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Movie Info

Synopsis In upstate New York, Jeannette (Pamela Holden Stewart), a divorcée, lives with her companion, Martin (Wayne Lamont Sims), an HIV-positive artist. Since Martin is gay and ill, the relationship they share is based on everything but sex. One day, Jeannette finds her estranged daughter, Sierra (Maggie Burkwit), on her doorstep with a new husband, Andrew (Darien Sills-Evans), hoping to get her hands on an inheritance. During their stay, secrets and lies are exposed.
Director
John G. Young
Producer
Paul Pagnucco
Screenwriter
John G. Young
Distributor
Strand Releasing
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 15, 2005, Original
Box Office (Gross USA)
$509
Runtime
1h 15m