7/3/20 - Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) - 7+/8-/10

A film with a disgustingly authentic feel. It dislodges you from complacency and thrusts you into the experience of this woman and, disturbingly, of women in general. Seemingly every male is such a creep and every turn is fraught with peril, which unfortunately comes across as “just life” to be dealt with by her and all. It isn’t my life experience, but truly great art will rip you from your common and thrust you into an empathetic experience that moves & molds. This film is that.

This is a film of subtly and signs. The importance of sleep and restfulness throughout its runtime is a powerful metaphor. There is no peace until she can unburden and find her own. This isn’t done by screaming or sobbing or strident spats, it is quiet and solemn and hard. Painful but personal, which brings us further into her plight.

The “Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always?” scene was quite powerful and wrenching. No answers are given but the pain is felt and we are left to assume our own causes. In reality, it is systemic, obligatory, and unceasing. This is the enduring message of the feature.

It’s not boisterous or overly broad, but that was to its benefit. This is a beautiful and wonderful indie film that deserves to be seen. It felt real, lived in, and harrowing. It isn’t an easy watch but it is worthy.