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Review

Filmmaker John G. Young (Parallel Sons) is back after a seven-year absence with this superb ensemble film about an unconventionally queer family. Shot in only 8 days and using a budget of $5000, the filmmaker has crafted a magnificent film that is what independent film is all about. A snowy Upstate New York is the setting and perfect metaphor for the lives of Young's characters. Jeanette (Stewart,) a French woman and Martin (Sims,) a gay black artist lead what seem to be perfect lives in this elegant farm house, far from the complications of city life. But as the masks are peeled away, we see that Jeannette buries her sadness in alcohol and daily dramas. Martin cleans up her messes and paints in solitude in the barn. The drama unfolds as Jeanette's daughter Sierra (Burkwitt) returns with her new husband Andrew (Sills-Evan) to collect a promised inheritance. They plan on a quick trip, but Jeannette decides to throw a wedding reception. As the reception nears, the rest of the masks come off, and the lies, flaws and deceptions appear. With only one set and lots of snow outside, writer/director Young has accomplished quite a feat creating this stunningly elegant feature film. Flawless acting and superb screenwriting mark this outstanding entry in this year's festival no one should miss.