We Could Still Be Pen Pals

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Michael L Great movie about the live of kids seeking advice and comfort. Covers a touching story about how one tries to help continue this momentum while having a twisted dark side. Comedic, funny, slightly twisted Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/23/25 Full Review Marcie D. Such a great independent film with an original plot! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/18/25 Full Review athena d I have started watching more independent films lately. I loved this one. Its heartfelt and shows growth. I'm so tired of big Hollywood making movies without a soul. You can watch this with your children around and not be worried about what they might see. Its definitely worth the watch. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/14/25 Full Review BRizz 2 Review: We Could Still Be Penpals (2025) Streaming on Amazon Prime Video Director [Name Not Listed] did a fantastic job assembling this film and guiding its emotional core. The writing was strong—layered, heartfelt, and clearly crafted with care. But the major drawback? The casting. Yikes. That’s all I can really say. It was a serious weak point in an otherwise touching story. Alec Dean Boeschen, who plays Damian, was hands down the best part of the film. His performance was raw, emotional, and incredibly balanced. He moved between joy and heartbreak seamlessly, and his character’s arc was the glue that held this movie together. He’s a standout talent. Christine Celozzi (Lindsay) was also excellent. While not quite as commanding as Alec, she complemented him beautifully and brought real depth to her scenes. Their chemistry carried much of the film’s emotional impact. River Downing deserves credit as well for portraying young Damian with genuine heart. His innocence, especially in scenes where he’s writing to his teacher, was quietly moving. You could feel the weight of his fear of growing up—particularly the idea of starting middle school—and his passion for creative writing was beautifully captured. Now for the weak link: Donnakelli Barnett as Miss Lewis. Her character was supposed to be the heart of the story—someone whose presence lingers even after death. But her performance just didn’t connect. It felt like she was acting at the role instead of being it. There was a forced quality to her scenes, and rather than leaving a lasting impression, she left me emotionally disconnected. It felt like miscasting, plain and simple. Another odd choice was the college party scene. Instead of embracing the vibrant energy such a scene typically offers—eccentric, stylish, maybe even chaotic—the film opted for a far more subdued, almost lifeless portrayal. The extras felt out of place on screen. Not to be harsh, but the camera wasn’t kind to them, and it pulled attention away from the scene’s purpose. One particular guy who appears at the window to speak with Lindsay was especially distracting. His teeth were so noticeably odd that it broke immersion—I found myself focused on that instead of the story. That said, the heart of the movie lies in the connection between Damian and the teacher’s granddaughter. When you strip away the less compelling side characters and just focus on that central thread, the story truly shines. It’s a sweet, heartfelt indie film with real emotional power—and for $1.99 on Amazon Prime, it’s definitely worth a watch if you’re in the mood for a quiet story about grief, growth, and human connection. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/14/25 Full Review Read all reviews

We Could Still Be Pen Pals

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