And Then There Was Eve

By: Amos Lassen

"And Then There Was Eve"
Loss and Acceptance
Amos Lassen
Director Savannah Bloch's "And Then There Was Eve" looks at the explosive fallout of LA photographer Alyssa (Tania Nolan) when she learns that her husband is transgender. Alyssa is a successful photographer who wakes up to find her apartment ransacked and her husband Kevin (Jonathan Flanagan) missing, along with photographs and any evidence of their marriage. Seeking answers, Alyssa turns to her husband's colleague Eve (Rebecca Crowl), a talented jazz pianist who enables her to understand Kevin's battle with depression and to eventually accept his absence. While getting to know Eve at such a troubling time, Alyssa is surprised to find herself falling in love again. The growing bond between Alyssa and Eve is rushed and at times plays out like a montage. The film's strength is the discussion it's likely to bring about. We get a chance to hear about to what extent our gender defines who we are and how it affects the people around us. We also see how a long-term relationship can chip away at one's identity.
The cast is brilliant all around. Nolan dives into the depths of denial with conviction, but it is Crowl who steals the show. The film is quite provocative and problematic.

The second act of the film focuses on the relationship between Eve and Alyssa with the suspense yielding to their relationship. We get clues of what is to come and I understand that it is something of an obligation to accept what is happening before us. Crowl has a charming ease that elevates the film to something truly special. Her Eve is never allowed to be a caricature and we see her as a fully realized human.

There is a scene early in the film where Eve offers support to Alyssa after her in-laws have turned their backs on her. The two women clearly need each other but have no idea how to ask or what to ask for. It is here that the audience is asked to follow Eve and Alyssa on their journey.

This is a film about loss and acceptance. While the film might not resonate with many viewers when it comes to their direct experiences, I have a feeling ,many will see some version of themselves on screen. This is an important film that I urge you to see..