Becks

Becks is an American indie drama movie separate from the overpowering Hollywood melodramas, that teems with authenticity and raw emotional energy. Released in 2017, this film is directed by Daniel Powell and Elizabeth Rohrbaugh, it stars Tony Award winner Lena Hall, Mena Suvari, known for her role in American Beauty, and the versatile Christine Lahti.

Becks is a tale of self-discovery, emotional growth, and the search for genuine acceptance, set against the backdrop of a small Midwest town. It's the brainchild of Powell and Rohrbaugh, packed with soul-touching music, well-rounded characters, and an intricate exploration of relationships that can deeply resonate with the audience.

Lena Hall, in the titular role of Becks, handily lays down an irresistible portrayal of a struggling musician. After an unlucky turn of events in her career and personal life, Becks processes through a heart-wrenching breakup in LA and decides she needs a change of scene. Cut to her hometown in St. Louis, Missouri, she moves back into her religious mother, Ann's home, played by Christine Lahti. The mother-daughter relationship is complex, with their contradicting perspectives towards life and faith adding layers of intense drama to the story.

Reverting back to her roots after a failure, Becks has to find sustainable ways to stay afloat, which further leads her to pick up an unusual job at a local bar owned by Dave, played by Dan Fogler. While none of these changes were part of her original master plan, she dives into her new routine. Simultaneously, she’s thrown back into her rustic old town life, struggling with her past relationships and the constricted close-knit cultural norms.

As the narrative unfolds, Becks meets Elyse, a glamorous, unhappily married local woman portrayed by Mena Suvari. Elyse’s allure profoundly moves Becks, leading them both into a whirlwind of emotional roller coasters and ill-timed pathways of love and longing. As they get pulled into the intense romantic circumstance of their lives, there's an intricate exploration of emotions, fear, and inner confusion.

The movie is heavily embellished with original songs, adding extra depth to the plot and making Becks stand out as a complex and vulnerable, yet goal-oriented character. The music, mostly produced and performed by Hall herself, enthralls the audience, capturing the soul and essence of the film. The movie's sound design was highly praised among critical circles, describing it as poignant, moving, and reflective of the protagonist's inner struggles.

Becks is not just a film; it's a heartfelt musical journey that tackles a myriad of societal pressures and personal dilemmas. Femininity, sexuality, success, failure, and societal norms are prominent themes that are realistically portrayed in this movie. It is a brave attempt that breaks barriers in portraying the LGBTQ+ community and mirrors the honest struggle individuals endure to achieve self-acceptance and personal growth.

Moreover, the directors brilliantly capture the raw Midwest landscapes, the simplicity of a small town setting, and embed them with the complexity of modern-day love and relationships. The skilled cinematography, along with the resonant sound design, contributes significantly to creating an immersive movie-watching experience.

In conclusion, Becks is a brave, evocative exploration of a myriad of emotions, trials, and tribulations that make up the human experience. It's raw yet rhythmic, heart-breaking yet hopeful, making it an exceptional film that leaves you introspective long after the credits have rolled. The outstanding performance by the cast, especially standout Lena Hall, the impactful soundtracks, and the directors' compassion in storytelling make Becks a compelling watch. It's a powerful intersection of raw human emotionalism and high-quality filmmaking.