Runoff (2015)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Don't Believe the Hype

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

A great study into the depth of the soul of which a person will sell themselves for the need, the very depth of that dark corner inside, to protect their family. Ms.Joanne Kelly is outstanding as is the writing. The underlining story of the son rebelling against the norm of following in the family path was outstanding. The father's subtle disapproval was only matched by the mother's need to protect and understand. The final scene as Betty drove away, the look off set by the contents in the back of the truck, drove the final nail home at the determination, at all costs, to save the way of life at any cost.I drove almost four hours to the only theater in my state airing this work of art. And it was worth every mile.

RUNOFF is a true movie-lover's movie. It takes us into a world that most of us know little about and explores it with a sophistication and class rarely seen in a debut film. The last half hour will have you on the edge of your seat. Joanne Kelly is a true star, her face brings you in like a silent movie star's would. It was so refreshing to see a movie that could have been so righteous dogmatic, instead allow its political charge to be simply experiential. It takes a tremendous amount of faith in the characters and the story to do that. Levin doesn't just present you this world, she puts you in surround sound of it. You truly feel as if you are there. Throughout the entire piece, her camera is enveloping you in the everyday beauty of this environment, and you will (like Betty) feel compelled to protect it with all you have.

I love movies, but my most frequent complaint is that they tend to wrap everything up so nicely in a 90-minute package that it's like eating artificially flavored candy. In most movies, the story is too strong, the flavors are too calculated. I don't think I've ever encountered a film like this that takes its time and trusts the viewer to come into the film. The story of RUNOFF is simple, a mother and father are at loggerheads over how to deal with the fact that they're about to lose their farm, and they start keeping secrets from each other (no spoiler). This was filmed in Kentucky, and the land is a beautiful character. Meditative shots of the water and land are there to give the audience time to think, in between the action. Watching this film is in some ways more like reading a book than seeing a typical film -- I hope this is a new way forward for cinema. Bravo.

Runoff is an excellent film. It is a soul searching film that will make you think twice about your own life and your own decisions. The answer is not always black or white. Joanne Kelly was remarkable in her performance. I had only seen her in comedic roles, like 'Warehouse 13', but not in a dramatic role. She really brings the viewer in to her character and allows you to feel what she is thinking. Neal Huff delivered as a husband and father trying his best to provide for his family against tremendous odds. I had only seen Neal in a small role on 'Fringe' before this. Neal definitely went the distance with this character.Darlene Hunt was a great supporting actress as Paula. She brought depth and dimension to the whole family struggle. Alex Shaffer brought such realism to the character of Finley. Expect to see more of this young actor.The little boy, Kivlighan de Montebello, was just amazing. A natural. Excited to see what this actor does next.The cinematography was beautiful. The score was moving. The use of real working farms, while difficult for filming, added greatly to the realism and authenticity.All in all, a movie you could get lost in. Excellent film by director and writer Kimberly Levin.