Watch A Reason

A Reason is a 2014 independent film that explores the themes of grief, depression, and isolation. The movie follows Serena (Magda Apanowicz), a college student who is haunted by the tragic death of her father. She struggles to come to terms with her loss and begins to pull away from her friends, family, and her long-term boyfriend Alex (Nick Eversman).

The movie starts with a flashback of Serena's childhood where we see her father die in a car accident. The opening scene sets the tone for the film, which is heavy and deeply emotional. The director does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of sadness and numbness, which is palpable throughout the movie.

Serena’s relationship with her mother (Marion Ross) is strained, partly due to how they both deal with grief. Her mother is trying to move on and live her life, while Serena is not ready to let go of the past. Serena feels alone and isolated in her sadness, which makes it difficult for her to connect with those around her.

The cinematography is simple and intimate, capturing the somber mood of the film. The film’s color grading adds to the film’s subdued and solemn feel, with bleached-out colors that reflect Serena’s melancholy. The lighting is dim, conveying a sense of loneliness and isolation.

The movie’s soundtrack is haunting, and the score creates an atmosphere of sadness that clings to the viewer long after the movie is over. The use of music is minimal, inviting the audience to focus on the characters rather than the background score.

As the movie progresses, we see Serena's relationships with her friends and family begin to unravel. Her best friend at college, Abi (Roxanne Coyne), tries to reach out to her, but Serena pushes her away. The only person she seems to find solace in is her therapist, Dr. McKnight (Ron Melendez). However, even he struggles to connect with her and make her see the beauty in life despite her tragic loss.

As Serena's depression deepens, she begins to contemplate taking her own life. It is at this point that she experiences a chance encounter with a stranger, a boy who shares the same name as her father. This meeting acts as a catalyst for Serena, and she begins to see a glimmer of hope, a way to move forward.

Magda Apanowicz gives a stunning performance as Serena, capturing the complexity of her character's emotions brilliantly. She embodies the character's sadness and depression, bringing an authenticity that is both harrowing and compelling. Nick Eversman's portrayal of Alex, Serena's boyfriend, is equally nuanced, bringing a sense of sincerity and gentleness to the character.

Marion Ross, who plays Serena's mother, delivers a moving performance that highlights the pain of losing a loved one and the struggle to move on. Ron Melendez, who plays Serena's therapist, brings depth and compassion to his role, portraying a character who genuinely wants to help.

One of the strengths of the movie is its exploration of grief. The story delves into the complexities of this emotion, shining a light on the deep well of pain that can consume a person in the aftermath of a loss. The film is not afraid to tackle the difficult issues surrounding depression and suicide, portraying them with sensitivity and honesty.

Overall, A Reason is a poignant and heartfelt movie that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. It tells a powerful story of loss, depression, love, and hope that resonates on a deep emotional level. The performances, direction, and cinematography all combine to create a powerful film that explores the complexities of grief with honesty and authenticity.

A Reason is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.