Color Me You

Color Me You is a 2017 independent romantic drama film directed by Marco Bottiglieri. The film stars Kaley Caperton, Katie Walker, and Christina Burdette in lead roles. Each of these actresses appreciably portray strong characters each with their own individualistic arc, aligning blindly perfectly with various emotions.

The movie centers around its lead character, Kat Abernathy, played brilliantly by Kaley Caperton. Kat, a young woman, is on the cusp of blossoming into adulthood. Being taught and conditioned by her father to follow a path towards a secure career, she must always make decisions that looked good 'on paper'. He wants her to head into the legal profession, follow his footsteps and join law school.

But things take an unexpected turn when she graduates from college. Despite having always done her best to meet her father's expectations and ignoring her own dreams, Kat finally decides that it's her time to start listening to her inner voice. Her passion lies in art, in the colorful palettes of paints, and in the different shapes of the brush - drawing, painting, sketching, and art, in general, gives her the joy and satisfaction nothing else does.

At the heart of it, Color Me You is about the journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to follow one's dreams, despite the odds. It explores the theme of individual growth, personal passion, and the inevitable conflicts between parental expectations and personal dreams. It highlights the struggle of the protagonist, as she is torn between fulfilling her father's dreams and pursuing her own passion.

Kat's overwhelming exploration of her soul to follow her passion for art is deeply influenced by two individuals who enter her life. These characters are played by Katie Walker and Christina Burdette. They influence Kat to open her heart to her dreams, aiding her to make her passion a priority.

Katie Walker plays a mysterious free-spirited woman who encourages Kat to follow her heart. She introduces Kat to the world of art and its infinite expressions which ultimately inspires her. Christina Burdette, on the other hand, adds a romantic subplot to the story playing the love interest of our protagonist. The chemistry between the two leads creates an enthralling romantic flavor beautifully intertwined within the storyline.

Throughout the course of the film, Kat is incessantly encouraged by these newfound friendships to break away from the expectations that have been placed on her and finally explore her true calling. The movie takes the audience on Kat's transformative journey as she paints her life with the colors of her dreams. The movie effectively portrays the myriad of emotions such as fear, courage, love, passion and the duality of life that Kat experiences, making the film highly relatable and touching.

Kaley Caperton's performance is noteworthy as she perfectly portrays the emotional evolution of her character throughout the film. Her character resonates with the young audience particularly, who are trying to find their footing amidst the pressing societal pressures to conform to a particular way of life. Her portrayal evokes empathy and leaves an impression long after the credits begin to roll.

The title, Color Me You, metaphorically connects to the story, amplifying the theme of individuality and self-identity discovery. Just like a color palette, it brings out the fact that life, too, can be filled with different shades - some bright, some light, some dark, and these shades/color choices define the personality of an individual.

The film's narrative renders it as a compelling watch for anyone who has ever struggled to balance their dreams with societal expectations. Director Bottiglieri exhibits great maturity in his storytelling, presenting a layered narrative that explores not just the idea of following one’s passion, but also love, friendship, and the intricacies of parent-child relationships. His touch is delicate yet impactful, making us feel the depth of each emotion the characters undergo.

Overall, Color Me You is a heart-touching narrative that invites its viewers to reflect on their own journey of self-discovery. It's a heartwarming film reminding us all that it's never too late to chase your dreams.