Plot: What’s it about?
After being proposed to by her boyfriend and needing some time for herself, Megan (Keira Knightly) hides out with her new 16 year old friend Annika (Chloe Grace Moretz). Megan met Annika and her friends when they asked her to buy them alcohol one night. Annika’s father, Craig (Sam Rockwell) eventually learns of Megan staying at the house, but he agrees to let Megan stay for a while. She doesn’t tell him the truth as to why she’s there, and that will eventually create a dilemma, especially after Megan and Craig start to fall for each other. Megan isn’t unambitious so much as she’s simply lost, as most of us have been at some point. She’s unsure what to do with her life, and being engaged only serves to complicate matters. Annika has her own problems as well. Being in High School has its fair share of drama regardless, and she and Megan grow closer over the course of the film. I found the attention to character development and details refreshing for a film of this sort. All the lead actors do fine work here, and Knightly and Rockwell have some nice chemistry and good scenes together.
Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical going into this film as I was expected it to be a low budget indie type of flick, but instead, it’s a very rewarding experience. It’s the kind of film that slowly grows on you, even as you’re watching it. During the early moments I was still expecting it to be more of a story focused on a self-centered girl and her problems, but it turned out to be so much more than that. It might be a touch predictable, but nothing really feels false here. It’d be easy to misuse the premise and make the relationship between two women feel awkward, but I didn’t get that feeling here. There’s a very authentic vibe to the whole thing. Do yourself a favor and check this film out. It surprised me quite a bit.
Video: How’s it look?
I was curious where the film took place (at least at first) because the location itself was very pleasing to the eye and this transfer only helps that. While not a flashy film by any means, the image is still very nice. Details are always on point and clarity is always clear as well. The transfer is nice and clean with no issues to speak of. We get an AVC encoded transfer with a 1.85:1 ratio.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The DTS HD track also impresses. Don’t expect things presented here to show off your system, but it’s just not that kind of film. Vocals were always clear and concise and background noise in some scenes comes out nicely as well. There’s some music during a few scenes that gives a kick on occasion, but this is a quieter, dialogue driven film and this track suits it well.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – The Director, Lynn Shelton sits down for a chat and provides some of the usual notes (casting, shooting, budget, etc.). Fans will want to give it a listen.
- Lagging on with Lynn Shelton – This offers more of the usual notes from the cast and crew. There’s a bit of back patting going on here, but it’s clear everyone is passionate about the project.
- Shooting Seattle: The Look of Laggies – This simply looks at the shooting process and using Seattle as the film’s location. It’s fairly interesting.
- Deleted Scenes – Basically minor extensions, nothing that needed to stay.
- Previews
- Digital Copy
The Bottom Line
I love films like these that sort of work their way on you. I wasn’t expecting much from this film, but it was a pleasant surprise. The acting is top notch and the story (while a touch predictable) is still effective. Highly Recommended.
