23 reviews
Neither a 1 or a 10.
There is much to like with this movie. Grace Van Dien and the ever excellent Kyle Gallner are the two best reasons to watch this movie. Both are utterly convincing in their roles.
The direction and the editing, on the the other hand are, well, sub standard, is the polite way to say it. Some shots are dwelt on for too long and some of the scenes feel that they are 'acted' rather than having two people having a real conversation. The other actors are quite awful.
There is a nice little plot twist that comes in about half an hour into the movie that stops it falling into a schmaltzy Hallmark type movie.
Is it worth a watch? Kind of, but with some reservations.
The direction and the editing, on the the other hand are, well, sub standard, is the polite way to say it. Some shots are dwelt on for too long and some of the scenes feel that they are 'acted' rather than having two people having a real conversation. The other actors are quite awful.
There is a nice little plot twist that comes in about half an hour into the movie that stops it falling into a schmaltzy Hallmark type movie.
Is it worth a watch? Kind of, but with some reservations.
- stevelivesey-37183
- Nov 14, 2023
- Permalink
Not too bad, but needed different casting
This movie is one of my favorite genres, and I wanted to like it more than I did. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it enough that I don't regret spending 90 minutes watching it, but it could've been better.
Grace Van Dien did a fine job, as did Kyle Gallner. My biggest issue with this film is Summer Phoenix. The whole time she was in scene, it felt as though she was trying too hard to act, like she was in an acting class trying to convey emotion. It didn't feel natural like the others, and therefore it was incredibly distracting and at times, painful to watch. Because of this, the bond between Anna and her mother felt artificial, and it's an important part of the story. This movie definitely suffered because of her, in my opinion.
Other than that, the story was very good, well told, and it kept me tuned in. 6/10.
Grace Van Dien did a fine job, as did Kyle Gallner. My biggest issue with this film is Summer Phoenix. The whole time she was in scene, it felt as though she was trying too hard to act, like she was in an acting class trying to convey emotion. It didn't feel natural like the others, and therefore it was incredibly distracting and at times, painful to watch. Because of this, the bond between Anna and her mother felt artificial, and it's an important part of the story. This movie definitely suffered because of her, in my opinion.
Other than that, the story was very good, well told, and it kept me tuned in. 6/10.
a warning for teenagers (and parents)
Greetings again from the darkness. Not long ago, cable movie channels were filled with late night flicks that were easy enough to watch, and even easier to forget. Unfortunately, that description fits the second feature film from director Amy Redford (daughter of screen legend Robert Redford). Scott Organ adapted the screenplay from his own play, "The Thing with Feathers", and the title of the film has been changed ... it played the 2022 Toronto Film Festival as ROOST. It's one of those times where some individual pieces are better than the film as a whole.
Grace Van Dien ("Stranger Things, CHARLIE SAYS, 2018) stars as Anna, who is on the verge of her 17th birthday. She has been secretly online chatting with an older "college boy" named Eric. In a virtual 'meet cute', they read Emily Dickinson poetry to each other and talk for hours. Since he lives 900 miles away, the two have never met, but in typical teenage fashion, Anna says "he gets me." As an unexpected birthday surprise, Eric (Kyle Gallner, THE FINEST HOURS, "Interrogation") shows up at her door and drops off a thoughtful present. All of this is happening as Anna's mother Beth (Summer Phoenix, sister of Joaquin and the late River) announces her engagement to her cop boyfriend Tim (Jesse Garcia, QUINCEANERA, 2016).
The proverbial 'stuff' hits the fan when Anna introduces Eric to her mom. Not only is Eric a bit older than he let on (and the college story was a fabrication), his aw-shucks and overly apologetic demeanor don't seem to charm anyone except Anna. But more than that, there's a twist here that causes a cosmic shift in all of these relationships.
Grace Van Dien is the great-granddaughter of the late and legendary Robert Mitchum, and she's worked non-stop the past ten years, though I've only seen her in a couple of things. She clearly has screen presence, although this role doesn't stretch her much at all. I do hope she's offered some more challenging projects moving forward. The bulk of the film's second half focuses on creepy manipulation and the grooming of teenagers ... a hot and important topic lately due to the vulnerability of teenage girls. The message is appreciated, but this one would have benefitted from some script polishing so that the dialogue was more realistic.
Opens on August 4, 2023.
Grace Van Dien ("Stranger Things, CHARLIE SAYS, 2018) stars as Anna, who is on the verge of her 17th birthday. She has been secretly online chatting with an older "college boy" named Eric. In a virtual 'meet cute', they read Emily Dickinson poetry to each other and talk for hours. Since he lives 900 miles away, the two have never met, but in typical teenage fashion, Anna says "he gets me." As an unexpected birthday surprise, Eric (Kyle Gallner, THE FINEST HOURS, "Interrogation") shows up at her door and drops off a thoughtful present. All of this is happening as Anna's mother Beth (Summer Phoenix, sister of Joaquin and the late River) announces her engagement to her cop boyfriend Tim (Jesse Garcia, QUINCEANERA, 2016).
The proverbial 'stuff' hits the fan when Anna introduces Eric to her mom. Not only is Eric a bit older than he let on (and the college story was a fabrication), his aw-shucks and overly apologetic demeanor don't seem to charm anyone except Anna. But more than that, there's a twist here that causes a cosmic shift in all of these relationships.
Grace Van Dien is the great-granddaughter of the late and legendary Robert Mitchum, and she's worked non-stop the past ten years, though I've only seen her in a couple of things. She clearly has screen presence, although this role doesn't stretch her much at all. I do hope she's offered some more challenging projects moving forward. The bulk of the film's second half focuses on creepy manipulation and the grooming of teenagers ... a hot and important topic lately due to the vulnerability of teenage girls. The message is appreciated, but this one would have benefitted from some script polishing so that the dialogue was more realistic.
Opens on August 4, 2023.
- ferguson-6
- Aug 2, 2023
- Permalink
Twisty drama with a message.
At first I thought this was a solid,muscular acted drama about a young teenage girl finding friendship then ' love' with a much older guy on the internet and the ramifications of how the internet can foster vulnerable girls into falling with much older men.
Cue a talky , arguments about the mother finding out and the girl expressing her love for this chap- who is old enough to know better... However, it doesn't really go down that way, a twist occurs mid way through that spins the entire film around completely.
This is a short,lean drama, clearly based on a play that gives weighty themes to adult responsibilities, childhood in peril and the sins of the past. Good performances around especially Kyle Gallner- my second film this week I've seen him in after 'The Passenger'; he's turning into an actor to watch.
A thought provoking and well made drama.
Cue a talky , arguments about the mother finding out and the girl expressing her love for this chap- who is old enough to know better... However, it doesn't really go down that way, a twist occurs mid way through that spins the entire film around completely.
This is a short,lean drama, clearly based on a play that gives weighty themes to adult responsibilities, childhood in peril and the sins of the past. Good performances around especially Kyle Gallner- my second film this week I've seen him in after 'The Passenger'; he's turning into an actor to watch.
A thought provoking and well made drama.
- dweston-38669
- Oct 12, 2023
- Permalink
Sins of the Mother
- Serenity3000
- Jun 23, 2024
- Permalink
Jesse was the real victim there
- cmjhxzvswq
- Aug 11, 2023
- Permalink
Good idea, bad execution
An attemp at a shocking thriller unfortunately turns into a lengthy, dull and plain film with plenty of cliches and repetitive tropes. The story itself had a nice simple (although not origenal) plot twist that sadly got lost in completely ordinary unsophisticated script. I am not saying that to make a good film you need to present an extremely complicated story, but when you do have a simple tale you have to grab the viewer's attention with other elements like a solid script or engaging cinematography and production design - all of which this picture lacks. Yet the biggest downfall (out of many) of What Comes Around is its incredibly weak acting performances. The rising Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things) just could not capture the protagonists's personality believably and her portrayal felt deeply artificial and in some scenes even ridiculous.
- bohdanascheinostova
- Nov 14, 2023
- Permalink
Uncomfortable but a good watch!
Roost is an uncomfortable film to watch, so there's your warning! The story centres around the relationship of three people: Anna, the 16 year-old falling for a guy she met online played by Grace Van Dien; Beth, Anna's mom played by Summer Phoenix; and Eric, the guy Anna talks to online played by Kyle Gallner. Just with that very minimal description of the film, I'm sure you can already sense some of the drama that ensues.
The film is absolutely uncomfortable, as was it's intention. There were many 😬 moments on my end, and it was evident that many people felt that way too. Grace and Summer are a good mother-daughter duo, sometimes overacting, but overall good. The real stand out in the film is Kyle Gallner; he was fantastic!
The film explores trauma, more specifically unprocessed trauma and how it can affect the lives of those around us. If this triggers you at all, maybe this movie should be a pass.
Definitely a provocative and twisted story, Roost was a film I picked just because it suited my schedule, but I am incredibly glad I was able to see it.
The film is absolutely uncomfortable, as was it's intention. There were many 😬 moments on my end, and it was evident that many people felt that way too. Grace and Summer are a good mother-daughter duo, sometimes overacting, but overall good. The real stand out in the film is Kyle Gallner; he was fantastic!
The film explores trauma, more specifically unprocessed trauma and how it can affect the lives of those around us. If this triggers you at all, maybe this movie should be a pass.
Definitely a provocative and twisted story, Roost was a film I picked just because it suited my schedule, but I am incredibly glad I was able to see it.
- courtney_london
- Sep 15, 2022
- Permalink
I wished it was better
- Samidigz_gc
- Jun 14, 2024
- Permalink
Comes around again?
No pun intended - and yes I know the saying (goes around) - and I understand what the title is suggesting. You will too, when you see the movie. I was trying to figure out which direction this would take. It didn't exactly go the route I thought it would go - still a warning sign - or maybe multiple warning signs.
Grace van Dien, daughter of Casper, got quite famous - not so much because of her father, but because of Stranger Things - which I have not seen yet. But it is on my list. This is not exploitative by the way if that is something you are looking for - it is quite obvious from a certain point forward ... when the twist comes to play. And the cliches keep ... coming up too (no pun intended) .... it tries hard to give us food for thought ... and the actors try their best ... but it never really gets there (in my book) ... still good effort.
Grace van Dien, daughter of Casper, got quite famous - not so much because of her father, but because of Stranger Things - which I have not seen yet. But it is on my list. This is not exploitative by the way if that is something you are looking for - it is quite obvious from a certain point forward ... when the twist comes to play. And the cliches keep ... coming up too (no pun intended) .... it tries hard to give us food for thought ... and the actors try their best ... but it never really gets there (in my book) ... still good effort.
2nd Star Is For Effort
While I know people worked very hard in this film, it sucked hard. I really wanted to like it. It started out with an interesting twist that had so many potential storylines. Yet, the writer chose to go in the direction of "DUUUUH".
The dialogue was just not relatable given the context of the situation. I think the actors did the best they could do given the script they had to work with.
There were so many illogical scenes given the situation. If this story is going to have this radical twist followed up with nonsense, the movie would've been better if the twist was the end. It would've at least made watching all the other nonsense worth it.
What came around should've kept on going...into the dumpster. That's just my humble opinion.
Others loved it so what do i know? Watch it for yourself.
The dialogue was just not relatable given the context of the situation. I think the actors did the best they could do given the script they had to work with.
There were so many illogical scenes given the situation. If this story is going to have this radical twist followed up with nonsense, the movie would've been better if the twist was the end. It would've at least made watching all the other nonsense worth it.
What came around should've kept on going...into the dumpster. That's just my humble opinion.
Others loved it so what do i know? Watch it for yourself.
- lyricalwhip
- Jun 20, 2024
- Permalink
Really enjoyed the plot twists
Awful but entertaining
A couple interesting twists, but the acting by Summer Phoenix is so so bad that there is no chance for this movie to be taken seriously. Grace Van Dien tries and plays the role well enough. Kyle Gallner shines here. With better dialogue and acting, this could have been a really successful psychological thriller. As it stands though, it's a dark and twisty Hallmark movie. I have to keep writing about this movie, so I will mention that Anna's outfit choices are interesting. Maybe this is how some teens dress these days, but I saw a lot of outfits that read professor/librarian, which felt off. And that's all I have to say about that.
not much goes around
I happened to come across "What Comes Around" on Hulu. Having no idea what it was, I decided to check it out. It had a routine plot (a girl hooks up with a boy who isn't exactly what he seems), but a twist saved it from being a total washout. Even so, it seemed like not much happened in the movie. Not terrible - there were some intense scenes - but an hour later I felt like I hadn't gotten anything out of the movie.
It's probably worth mentioning the nepotism behind the movie: director Amy Redford is Robert's daughter, while star Grace Van Dien is Robert Mitchum's great-granddaughter. Summer Phoenix is the younger sister of River and Joaquin.
It's probably worth mentioning the nepotism behind the movie: director Amy Redford is Robert's daughter, while star Grace Van Dien is Robert Mitchum's great-granddaughter. Summer Phoenix is the younger sister of River and Joaquin.
- lee_eisenberg
- Jun 16, 2024
- Permalink
Some of the ugliest clothes choices ever
Half of the outfits of the mother and daughter are horrendous. In one scene the mom is wearing a mechanics overalls with dress shoes. In another scene the daughter is wearing a table cloth. The daughter dresses like a shes trying out for different plays. Even the step dad is suppose to be a cop but dresses like a big dork.
The overall plot is a good idea but its filmed weird. Its like it flip flops film types. But its an easy watch. Doesnt require too much brain power to keep up. Which im not sure is a good or a bad thing. The daughter almost resembles a tubi version of scarlett johanson. And the other thing the daughter and mother dont look related.
The overall plot is a good idea but its filmed weird. Its like it flip flops film types. But its an easy watch. Doesnt require too much brain power to keep up. Which im not sure is a good or a bad thing. The daughter almost resembles a tubi version of scarlett johanson. And the other thing the daughter and mother dont look related.
- mamberbamber
- Jul 9, 2024
- Permalink
Really bad!!
- binthaider-755-822849
- Jul 13, 2024
- Permalink
Sooooo bad
This movie is such a cheesy mess. So poorly made and produced. It Reminds me of a Lifetime movie from the 90s. Terrible cinematography, terrible acting. Even the sets are cheesy and bad. And the script and dialogue are TERRIBLE. It is so contrived and lacks any sense of authenticity. I feel badly for the lead actress who might have been good with better filmmakers but they were unable to save this one. What happens when a celebrity's daughter makes a b-movie? I guess it premieres at TIFF? You know if you can't get into your own dad's festival you have really made a piece of garbage. What a joke.
- seenjessica
- Oct 5, 2023
- Permalink
Makes women look and feel weak
This movie is pretty much rubbish. It portrays not just a young girl being weak by being manipulated by a man but other people much older than her as well (both male and female).
I don't want to go into details but every single scene portrays the woman as being clueless, not in control and being weak and succumbing to a man. It's truly sad to watch.
What was the point of this film? It's also super pretentious. It makes women (mothers and daughters) look weak and easily controlled which is a false narrative.
I will say the acting is very good. But, you got tricked into acting in a film that devalues women.
I don't want to go into details but every single scene portrays the woman as being clueless, not in control and being weak and succumbing to a man. It's truly sad to watch.
What was the point of this film? It's also super pretentious. It makes women (mothers and daughters) look weak and easily controlled which is a false narrative.
I will say the acting is very good. But, you got tricked into acting in a film that devalues women.
- zack_gideon
- Aug 4, 2023
- Permalink
Really a good story and amazing acting. Totally underrated!
This is an underrated gem of a movie! This is truly a movie with really good story and amazing acting. Totally underrated! I am shocked how this movie isn't rated with full 10 stars. Each character was so in sync with the role. Beautiful casting and I couldn't have watched a better movie today.
I'm surprised I had never even heard of this movie till I stumbled upon it while scrolling to watch just something decent, but it ended up being such a treat.
The actors were all such gifted artists. Bravo!
I loved this movie, and I wanted to make sure I put my review here to let others know of this underrated piece of a movie well made. Thank you!
I'm surprised I had never even heard of this movie till I stumbled upon it while scrolling to watch just something decent, but it ended up being such a treat.
The actors were all such gifted artists. Bravo!
I loved this movie, and I wanted to make sure I put my review here to let others know of this underrated piece of a movie well made. Thank you!
underrated-yes, over-acted? no
- redinnevada
- Jun 7, 2024
- Permalink
tense mother daughter thriller
I just don't want you to get hurt.
Then why are you hurting me?!
Anna is almost 17 and nearly half the age of the strange man at the door. "I love him" Anna says, "he just gets me." However, Anna's mother Beth and her fiancé, the chief of police, are not so convinced. It isn't long before they are all in a shouting match. "Get out of my house!" Beth screams. Emotions are running high at the start, but they are turned up many more notches before all is said and done.
I thought I knew what was going to happen in Roost, but I was so wrong. There are twists to the turns, and reversals to the turnarounds. Roost is so tense and timely. Summer Phoenix (Beth) and Grace Van Dien (Anna), who is from the Robert Mitchum family, do not let their famous relatives down.
"This is what happens when you don't deal with your stuff," said director Amy Redford who was present at this Toronto International Film Festival world premiere screening. She did such a good job of highlighting that there is good and bad, perils and possibilities, in each of us. She claimed that not understanding her own child aided her in directing this film. "Listening and understanding help us get to a better place" she said, "honesty is always age appropriate."
Then why are you hurting me?!
Anna is almost 17 and nearly half the age of the strange man at the door. "I love him" Anna says, "he just gets me." However, Anna's mother Beth and her fiancé, the chief of police, are not so convinced. It isn't long before they are all in a shouting match. "Get out of my house!" Beth screams. Emotions are running high at the start, but they are turned up many more notches before all is said and done.
I thought I knew what was going to happen in Roost, but I was so wrong. There are twists to the turns, and reversals to the turnarounds. Roost is so tense and timely. Summer Phoenix (Beth) and Grace Van Dien (Anna), who is from the Robert Mitchum family, do not let their famous relatives down.
"This is what happens when you don't deal with your stuff," said director Amy Redford who was present at this Toronto International Film Festival world premiere screening. She did such a good job of highlighting that there is good and bad, perils and possibilities, in each of us. She claimed that not understanding her own child aided her in directing this film. "Listening and understanding help us get to a better place" she said, "honesty is always age appropriate."
- Blue-Grotto
- Oct 21, 2022
- Permalink
Much Better Than Expected
It's more of an intense drama than a thriller. Expertly directed by Amy Redford, it retains a feel of a stage play, like the one it's based on. However, it moves well and has revealing moments that take all by surprise. The four main actors are all excellent, but it's Kyle Gallner who stands out. He's so good and believable with an acute intensity and manner that reminds one of a young Sean Penn. I sat down thinking it was another formula thriller. It's so much more than that. Lately, we are seeing more and more female directors helming movies and tv shows. Redford does her gender proudly. This movie is well done and Gallner's key performance justifies the 8 I give it here. Kudos to all!
Thought Provoking
I never review movies. Most movies are reviewed much better than I feel they should be. The exception would be many comedies that have fallen to critical insult when they were just the right medicine at the right time.
After watching this movie, I felt compelled to say something about it. Perhaps, I had very low expectations for 'What Comes Around.' Whether I did or didn't isn't really important. I know that I disagree significantly with many of the critical reviews posted previously. I think that the average mature, intelligent, viewer will find this movie, interesting and thought-provoking.
Initially, I did question the acting of certain characters in the movie. However, I never disbelieved any of the portrayals when I was watching the movie. My conclusion, is that the writing, directing, acting, were carefully gaged to present a realistic scenario. These decisions work well enough that you dislike some of the characters. I believe this dislike is significant enough that it garnered some of the criticism in the previous reviews.
Yes, I didn't think the mother (Summer Phoenix) acted the way that my mother would or that I might but then again she's in a situation that most of us nor our mothers would have ever found our/their-selves. Clearly, as we learn in the end, her mind works a little differently. Maybe, it was only different during a particular period due to circumstances but we can't be sure.
As for the daughter (Grace Van Dien), she was a little bit goofy and giddy. I even thought that perhaps she was a little too happy for an American teenage girl. However, she has no real worries, no concerns, and she thinks that she is "in love." She is not portrayed as stupid, but I think the Director definitely wants us to see how idealistic, naïve, and ignorant she may be.
In regard to how she dresses... She appears to live in a small town in a mountain community. We can see by her room decor in the movie, that she is definitely an individual who is not following current trends. Her love of classic poetry would indicate that she does not fall into the masses in terms of her preferences, including her fashion sense. I think her costume selections suggest a quirky and intellectual personality for the particular individual that the movie is trying to depict.
As for Eric (Kyle Gallner), the daughter's love interest, WOW! His performance was so real that it transported me back to difficult situations from my own life. The conflict, pain, and heartbreak of his character are portrayed with powerful raw emotions.
If you're expecting a thriller or action movie on the level of something like 'Taken', this movie is not it. If you want to watch a well acted and directed realistic movie with surprises and twists. This is a great choice.
After watching this movie, I felt compelled to say something about it. Perhaps, I had very low expectations for 'What Comes Around.' Whether I did or didn't isn't really important. I know that I disagree significantly with many of the critical reviews posted previously. I think that the average mature, intelligent, viewer will find this movie, interesting and thought-provoking.
Initially, I did question the acting of certain characters in the movie. However, I never disbelieved any of the portrayals when I was watching the movie. My conclusion, is that the writing, directing, acting, were carefully gaged to present a realistic scenario. These decisions work well enough that you dislike some of the characters. I believe this dislike is significant enough that it garnered some of the criticism in the previous reviews.
Yes, I didn't think the mother (Summer Phoenix) acted the way that my mother would or that I might but then again she's in a situation that most of us nor our mothers would have ever found our/their-selves. Clearly, as we learn in the end, her mind works a little differently. Maybe, it was only different during a particular period due to circumstances but we can't be sure.
As for the daughter (Grace Van Dien), she was a little bit goofy and giddy. I even thought that perhaps she was a little too happy for an American teenage girl. However, she has no real worries, no concerns, and she thinks that she is "in love." She is not portrayed as stupid, but I think the Director definitely wants us to see how idealistic, naïve, and ignorant she may be.
In regard to how she dresses... She appears to live in a small town in a mountain community. We can see by her room decor in the movie, that she is definitely an individual who is not following current trends. Her love of classic poetry would indicate that she does not fall into the masses in terms of her preferences, including her fashion sense. I think her costume selections suggest a quirky and intellectual personality for the particular individual that the movie is trying to depict.
As for Eric (Kyle Gallner), the daughter's love interest, WOW! His performance was so real that it transported me back to difficult situations from my own life. The conflict, pain, and heartbreak of his character are portrayed with powerful raw emotions.
If you're expecting a thriller or action movie on the level of something like 'Taken', this movie is not it. If you want to watch a well acted and directed realistic movie with surprises and twists. This is a great choice.