Movie Info:
Alice-Heart is an aimless college student residing in Philadelphia. She aspires to be a famous writer but drops out ofschool in her last semester of senior year on a whim. Immediately cut off from her disappointed Filipino mother and dumped by her studious boyfriend, she finds that she has to pay bills on her own for the first time. Distraught, she takes solace in her neighbor Tony, a self-sufficient freelance photographer. Tony encourages her to pursue her passions and hold onto her friendships. With this in mind, Alice-Heart navigates the beginnings of adulthood and combats “adult baby” allegations along the way.
Review:
Mike Macera’s “Alice-Heart” is a deeply moving and relatable film that sensitively explores the complexities of human relationships and the journey of self-discovery. The black-and-white cinematography lends a poignant, timeless quality to the story, beautifully highlighting the raw emotions and genuine struggles the characters endure. It’s a heartfelt reflection on the realities of life that resonates with anyone who has navigated similar challenges.
Lissa Carandang-Sweeney offers a deeply moving performance as Alice-Heart, beautifully capturing the character’s vulnerability, impulsiveness, and determination with genuine authenticity. Her interactions with the other characters resonate with both warmth and humor, making Alice-Heart a relatable and endearing protagonist that audiences can’t help but root for.
Alice-Heart’s relationship with her boyfriend Lyman is a poignant aspect of the film. Lyman, who is focused on his studies and often puts his own needs first, ends their relationship after Alice-Heart makes the difficult decision to drop out of college. This breakup, while painful, becomes a significant turning point for Alice-Heart, prompting her journey of self-discovery. The film portrays their relationship with sensitivity, capturing the complexities and heartaches that can emerge when two individuals, each with their own dreams and goals, struggle to understand one another. It emphasizes the emotional realities of love and the difficulties of navigating differing paths in life.
Professor Spadden plays a significant role in Alice-Heart’s life, embodying the challenges and expectations that often accompany the academic journey. While their interactions can be tense and confrontational at times, they also highlight the common struggles students face when navigating relationships with authoritative figures. This dynamic ultimately enriches Alice-Heart’s character, revealing her resilience and deep desire to carve out her own path despite the pressures she encounters.
Tony, Alice-Heart’s new neighbor, emerges as a compassionate source of support and inspiration in her life. As a freelance photographer with a serene and grounded perspective, Tony lends a gentle hand to help Alice-Heart tackle the often overwhelming challenges of adulthood. Their relationship is rooted in deep mutual respect and understanding, creating a comforting refuge compared to the more turbulent relationships depicted in the film. This heartfelt dynamic is beautifully portrayed, radiating sincerity and warmth, and stands out as one of the most touching aspects of the movie.
Grade: B+. Part of Slamdance 2025.
Credits:
- Year:
2025 - Runtime:
93 minutes - Language:
English - Country:
United States - Premiere:
World Premiere - Genre:
Dramedy - Subtitle Language:
English - Social Media:
- Director:
Mike Macera - Screenwriter:
Mike Macera - Producer:
Lissa Carandang-Sweeney, Zach Rineer, Alfred Giancarli, Adam McAlonie, Matt Connelly, Tony McCall - Cast:
Lissa Carandang-Sweeney, Tony McCall, Adam McAlonie, Kelsey O’Keefe, Gabriel W. Elmore, Lauren Serafica, Will Bricca
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