I Believe in Unicorns (2015)

Wow! Such a good movie.

Touches You

best movie i've ever seen.

The acting in this movie is really good.

In this romantic drama a teenage girl embarks on a relationship with an older boy, a free spirit who she soon discovers has a darker violent side. She is a young girl with responsibilities beyond her age, such as looking after her disabled mother, so she wilfully disappears in her head into a fantasy world from time to time.This one could be filed under both the coming-of-age and road movie sub-categories. It has a protagonist who I did like and sympathise with. I felt the portrayal of the characters was quite realistic and there were many little moments which felt true to life. It does go into some disturbing areas it has to be said with a scene which amounted to sexual abuse, so it is a film with some darker aspects lurking below its sunny veneer. I think it was this visual side of things though which was the most impressive single aspect of this one though, with a look which reminded me of the warm glow of old photographs. It was quite beautifully done and there was quite a bit to enjoy from a visually aesthetic point-of-view. Ultimately, the content of the film itself was a bit too limited to truly make this one feel more than an interesting snapshot of something. Still, it was a fairly alluring snapshot all the same, and certainly had a distinctive look and feel to it.

The film is beautiful and innovative, though I couldn't help but feel disturbed that the parents of the 16 year old actress allowed her to be in scenes where she's so graphically raped and sexualized. I literally felt just as disturbed and distracted by this as I was affected by the film itself.This could be because I know people who were sexually abused as children, and I've worked with child actors who later look back at that graphic kind of exposure and ultimately see it as detrimental to them and their lives. I think it's unfortunate and premature to expose a such a young actor to this.

Leah Meyerhoff's transcendent, visceral, intimate examination of a young girl's heart- wrenching coming of age left me breathless. From the fanciful, fairy daydreams to the recklessness of adolescence, I felt like I was watching something from my own head. The fierce beauty of the world as seen through a girl's eyes. The understated poignancy of simple gestures, glances between mother and daughter. The ache for the exquisite: sunlight dancing in leaves, the bridge of a lovers nose. It's so rare to see a woman give life to what is inside her. We feel like we have to ask permission, and even when "granted", we play it safe, we give other people what we think they want. But Meyerhoff's unapologetic passion and ambition is empowering for women filmmakers everywhere. Her film is necessary and important, as is she.

I like this film. It has got heart, it has good intentions for the cinematic language that I so adore. I feel like the filmmaker is earnest and thoughtful with the script and the performances are very strong and show a lot of talent on her cinematic future. However, I've been following this movie online and keep seeing photos of the filmmaker, Meyerhoff at festivals. Great right? Well, yes and no. Yes, it's great the film is getting out there, it should! No because it's more that a little embarrassing to see a 38 year old woman wearing a unicorn prop on her head, as though she's so desperate to hype her film that she'll turn into a corny advertisement. Is this what cinema has come to? I should hope not, not in the cinema I know. I get it, you're supposed to do something "striking" and "wild" to stand out, but Miss Meyerhoff, if you need to walk around with a toy horn on your head to get press on your film, or to get attention, well that's just sad and pedestrian. Have some pride in yourself and your work. You are a talented filmmaker. Please take the horn off and have some respect for yourself, your collaborators and most importantly, for cinema.Besides the corny advertising, as a critic I do recommend the film. Don't let the harsh truths discourage you. It is a VERY strong film!