Watch Arcadia

Arcadia is a brilliant independent drama film from 2012, directed by Olivia Silver. The story revolves around Greta, a six-year-old girl mourning the death of her mother, who is taken on a road trip across America by her father, Tom, and her two young siblings, Nat and Riley. The film takes the audience on a journey of discovery as Greta and her siblings explore the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the American landscape, while their father tries to come to terms with his own grief and the challenges of being a single father.

Throughout the film, Greta is portrayed as a curious and intelligent young girl who is always asking questions and trying to understand the world around her. She is fascinated by the beauty of nature, and this wonder is illustrated in the way the film is shot. The colors of the sunset and the changing hues of the sky are portrayed beautifully, and the director uses music to evoke an emotional response from the audience.

The film also explores themes of family dynamics, grief, and mental health. The death of Greta's mother has had an impact on every member of the family, and the road trip is a way for them to try and come to terms with their loss. As they go on this journey of discovery, they encounter various experiences that challenge their relationships with each other and with their own grief. Greta's father, Tom, is struggling with his own demons and the challenges of being a single parent. His character is well-crafted and nuanced, and Ryan Simpkins delivers an excellent performance as the grieving father trying to hold his family together.

The two younger siblings, Nat and Riley, are also portrayed as important characters in the film. Nat, the middle child, is curious and adventurous, like Greta, and she encourages her siblings to explore and learn about their surroundings. Riley, the youngest, is more innocent and carefree, and her positive outlook on life is a source of comfort for her siblings.

The film's pacing is slow, but it is intentional. The slow pace allows the characters to develop and the audience to connect with them. The naturalistic style of the movie adds to the authenticity of the experience, and the use of non-professional actors adds to the realism.

Kendall Toole plays Wendy, a young woman who the family meets on the road. Wendy is an important character in the film, and her relationship with Greta is particularly important. Wendy is a free spirit who is exploring the world in her own way, and Greta is drawn to her energy and enthusiasm. Wendy's character offers a contrast to the more conservative and traditional values of Tom.

The film's resolution is not predictable or neat, and this works in its favor. The ending is satisfying, but it is not a typical Hollywood ending. The journey that the family goes on is not one that can be resolved quickly or easily, but the film ends on a hopeful note.

Overall, Arcadia is a powerful and emotional film that explores the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and mental health. The performances are excellent, and the cinematography is beautiful. The slow pace and naturalistic style of the movie may not appeal to everyone, but for those who are willing to engage with the film, there are rewards to be found. This is a movie that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.

Arcadia is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.