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The Paper Store is a 2016 film that is a romantic drama directed and written by Nicholas Gray. The film tells the story of a former student with a photographic memory struggling to make ends meet who ends up getting a job working the graveyard shift at a local convenience store. The movie stars Stef Dawson, Penn Badgley, and Richard Kind.

Dawson plays the role of Heather, a former college student who dropped out of school and now works at a convenience store. Heather has a photographic memory, which makes her a savant when it comes to remembering data and information. She's an introverted person who spends most of her time reading books and studying because she's passionate about literature. Heather's life changes when she meets Wesley (Badgley), a struggling writer who is working on a thesis paper about a literary masterpiece.

Wesley is immediately intrigued by Heather's photographic memory, and he convinces her to help him with his thesis. Heather begins to tutor Wesley and helps him navigate the complicated and confusing world of the literary masterpiece. Wesley is a charming and delightful person who inspires Heather to consider her potential and encourages her to pursue her dreams. Their relationship progresses beyond professional boundaries, and they venture into romantic territory.

As Heather and Wesley work together on the literary masterpiece project and develop a strong bond and connection. They both have complicated pasts and are trying to overcome their respective issues. Heather's photographic memory comes in handy, not just with the literary masterpiece project but also in her personal life.

Meanwhile, Richard Kind portrays Professor Sheldon, who also plays a prominent role in the film. Professor Sheldon has a tumultuous relationship with Wesley and constantly belittles and dismisses his academic efforts. Wesley seems to be perpetually in the shadow of the esteemed professor, and their encounters are becoming increasingly heated.

The Paper Store is an emotional film that tackles the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and self-discovery. Although the movie has a romantic element to it, it is far from a formulaic romantic comedy. Heather and Wesley's relationship brings forth an intense and emotional experience filled with ups and downs. The film explores the emotional weight that comes with past regrets, trying to escape past mistakes, and forging new paths in life.

The film's simplicity works in its favor regarding the production values - it's purely driven by the story and characters. The cinematography conveys an intimate and personal setting that immerses the viewer into the journey of Heather and Wesley. The film's score complements the emotional tone of the storyline, setting, and characters.

The performances by Dawson and Badgley are commendable, with their chemistry being one of the definite highlights of the movie. They, along with Richard Kind, deliver robust performances that showcase the raw emotional weight of the characters they play. The trio creates an impressive ensemble that carries the film forward.

In conclusion, The Paper Store is a beautifully crafted drama that is both thought-provoking and touching. It's a movie that requires the viewer to invest their emotions and focus on the complexities that stem from the characters' relationships. The film doesn't aim to be grandiloquent with big-budget effects, but it doesn't need to be. It's a heartfelt, character-driven movie that deserves recognition for its powerful message and narrative.

The Paper Store is a 2017 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.