Fishnet

Fishnet is a captivating 2010 independent film that showcases the friendship and adventures of two exotically humorous, free-spirited women who are on a pursuit to finding their space in the world. Filled with glamour, gaiety and resilience, the movie skillfully maneuvers through moments of charm, amusement, and friendship, sprinkled with mild doses of youthful recklessness. Directed by Brian Pelletier, and starring Rebekah Kochan, Jillian Easton, and Sandy Issa Balat, Fishnet offers an enchanting mix of comedy and feminist exploration.

The film opens with the vivacious and exuberant personalities of the two best friends - Angel (Rebekah Kochan) and Lilly (Jillian Easton). Lilly, the more somber of the two, contrasts with Angel’s upbeat and uninhibited attitude. Yet they complement each other perfectly, like two sides of the same coin. Both coworkers at a modest liquor store, they dream of grander lives, one where their dreams of success don't remain trapped between stacks of booze and dingy locales.

One night, after a bout of wild spontaneity, they decide to quit their uninspiring jobs and try their luck in Hollywood while establishing an all-girl rock band. In a twist of fate, they find themselves overnight as part of a Burlesque bar troupe in Los Angeles, thanks to a chance encounter with the charismatic and artsy Margot (Sandy Issa Balat). This introduces our protagonists to the enchanting yet intricate world of performance, allure, and the unwritten rules of the burlesque stage.

The two friends take up this unexpected challenge with their usual energy and zest. However, the journey is not as smooth or as glamorous as they initially thought. They must navigate the nuanced dynamics of the burlesque world, the wild personalities they meet along the way, and their own personal lives, as they struggle with self-doubt, interpersonal conflicts, and even a heartbreak.

Amid their adventures in an industry filled with glitz, glamour, and complex hierarchy, their friendship is continuously tested. Fishnet maintains an undercurrent of humour and heart, detailing the bold and often bewildering experiences that Angel and Lilly undergo.

Their performance onstage echoes with the paradoxes of their offstage life - The makeup, costumes, and showbiz lights juxtaposed against their vulnerabilities and their struggles. The film thus reflects both their on-stage persona, soaked in extravagant costumes and elaborate routines, and their off-stage, sometimes tumultuous life, presenting a layered and nuanced portrayal of the characters.

Rebekah Kochan portrays the role of Angel with relentless energy and captivating comedic timing. On the other hand, Jillian Easton brings authenticity and heartfelt honesty to her role as Lilly. The dynamics between the two demonstrate their diverse personalities and the depth of their friendship. A special mention must be given to Sandy Issa Balat, who blends a magical charm with an intriguing mysteriousness in her portrayal of Margot.

Fishnet is a narrative of friendship, resilience, dreams, and temptation. It challenges stereotypes and blends elements of comedy, drama, and music into a potent cinematic cocktail. It effectively portrays the desire to experience life on one's own terms and the courage it takes to follow one's passions, even in uncertainty. It explores elements of feminine power, freedom, and unabashed choices, with a dash of romance and heartbreak, embodying the delightful chaos of life.

Fishnet is extravagant, risqué, and full of heart, portraying an enthralling journey of not just surviving but thriving against all odds. This movie offers a ride full of charm and gutsy humor, where every performance is not just for the audience. The heroes of Fishnet dance and perform for themselves, for their dreams and each other, creating a colorful world of emotions, experiences, and aspirations behind the beaded curtains and glittery fishnet stockings.