By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.75 cats
Director: Joshua Leonard
Starring: Beth Grant | Erica Chidi Cohen | Janicza Bravo | Jess Weixler | Joshua Leonard | Michael Chieffo | Rom Bower
Country: united_states
Year: 2021
Running time: 76
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10579768/reference
Michael says: “While not necessarily the most original idea, the execution of this film about a young couple, pregnant with their first child, and suddenly facing the terrifying reality of transitioning into parenthood, with their parent friends talking about their lives are no longer their own, and their own parents proving to be a scary prospect for role models, is original, funny, heartfelt, and a great example of real independent filmmaking. Shot on an actual shoestring budget in 7 days (sure there was a year’s worth of post-production that was well-wroth it), FULLY REALIZED HUMANS really gets the job done in a way that is delightfully entertaining, and powerfully emotional. When Elliot and Jackie come face to face with the reality of parenthood, they decide to face all the things, or at least the things they feel that can realistically face, that frighten them or hold them back. After running though a list of extreme possibilities — jumping our of a plane, doing some graffiti work, buying falcon (my favorite) — they end up with a less dangerous option, that arouses Jackie’s feelings of uninhibited power, but awakens difficult childhood emotions and memories for Elliot. This in turn prompts Elliot to do something rather extreme that sets the two on a path that, superficially at least, seems to set them free. Until they find themselves in a stressful situation and all their insecurities and emotional set-backs come rushing to the fore once again. They realize that there is another step they need to take, in facing the fears they hold deep within them about becoming the parents who raised them, confronting those parents and stating the issues that they need to exorcise. This extended scene, laced with humor, also serves so real feelings — and deep ones, as both the parents-to-be, and their parents, do their best to confront the past hurts that every adult child holds.
“Many kudos to writer/director/editor/lead actor Joshua Leonard (BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, HUMPDAY, HIGHER GROUND) and co-writer/lead actress Jess Weixler (TEETH) for the provocative script, and the terrific performances, dripping with strong chemistry. Also to be lauded are Beth Grant and Tom Bower as Joshua’s parents, and Michael Chieffo as Jackie’s Dad. These three walk the delicate line between humor and drama beautifully, in a ridiculous conversation, that rings true, and feels amazing universal I want to call out Erica Chidi Cohen as a doula who becomes caught un in a unintended therapist role as these two work out their internal issues. Given the quick shoot and tight budget, the film has an accomplished look and feel, and the improvisational feel, that is also highly scripted, worked well for me to give a spontaneous feel to the actions. 4 1/2 cats”
Chris says: “Uneven–charming and funny when it’s on, stale and interminable when it’s not. The last fifteen minutes are the best, with Beth Grant’s final line of dialogue worth sitting through the rest to get to. 3 cats“