Hedgehog

'Hedgehog' is a thought-provoking independent film released in 2017. It sits comfortably in the category of drama as it unveils a touching portrayal of life, loss, and self-discovery. This engrossing story, while grounded in the stark reality of daily life, still manages to inspire viewers through its elucidation of fundamental human experiences and emotions. The movie employs a subtle, poignant narrative style to tell the story and triumphantly delivers an emotionally charged, gripping viewing experience.

Award-winning actress Ann Dowd ('The Handmaid’s Tale,' 'Hereditary') leads the cast, showing an exceptional performance that is both powerful and captivating. Ann plays the role of Gail, a mother overcoming the tragedy of the sudden passing of her husband. She provides a nuanced performance that pays tribute to the strength and resilience of her character. Madeline Brewer ('The Handmaid's Tale,' 'Orange Is the New Black') in the role of Ali, Gail's introverted daughter, shows a remarkable acting prowess that draws viewers into her journey towards personal growth and self-discovery. Ali wrestles with her personal struggles while also contending with the anguish of watching her mother grapple with grief.

Danny Deferrari ('Ping Pong Summer,' 'Claire in Motion') plays the character of Tom, a man navigating his intricate emotional labyrinth. Transferred to play the lead in the local theatre's production of 'Hedgehog,' he finds his journey of the self and his personal situation eerily parallel to that of the characters in the play. Deferrari's portrayal of Tom is adequately nuanced, meticulously revealing different aspects of the character as the plot unfolds.

The whole narrative of the movie 'Hedgehog' revolves around Ali's pursuits as she learns the craft of becoming a professional makeup artist. Simultaneously, she finds herself assuming the part that her mother was set to play in the community theater's production of 'Hedgehog,' a character she uncannily identifies with. She becomes deeply ingrained in the play's narrative and everything that the character represents.

Ali’s journey not only provides personal catharsis but also helps her mother in the healing process. Gail grapples with the harsh reality of her husband's demise, but Ali's gallant struggle to grow amidst adversity forms a backdrop against which Gail finds the strength to confront her grief and reinvent herself, hence beginning the stages of healing.

Elements of theatre and personal struggles go hand in hand in this film, interweaving the elements of fiction and reality. The film borrows its title from the play within the film, which becomes a metaphorical representation of the characters navigating through life with their vulnerabilities, snapping into their unique roles as a means of protection, akin to how a hedgehog reacts under threat.

Through an engaging narrative and well-drawn, three-dimensional characters, 'Hedgehog' offers a deep exploration of human emotion. The film maintains an aura of melancholic beauty, sprinkled with moments of genuine, heartwarming affection. Its serene pacing further elevates the narrative by allowing the audience to fully delve into the story's thematic depth, character development, and emotional intensity.

'Hedgehog' is an introspective journey that sheds light on the process of self-discovery in the face of immense grief. The film’s exploration of the transformative power of art—especially theater—provides a unique perspective. Carefully-directed by Lindsey Copeland in her feature debut, it is more than just a story and instead serves as a reflection of collective human experiences. The film resonates with its audience not just through its narrative but by beautifully sculpturing its characters, depicting personal struggle, growth, and eventual acceptance beyond the realm of a conventional drama film.

From its robust acting performances to its compelling narrative and raw emotional depth, 'Hedgehog' is a cinematic gem that truly showcases the best facets of independent cinema. This film carries an introspective and deeply empathetic story that speaks clearly of life's most profound, universal experiences - love, loss, grief, and self-realization that viewers will find themselves drawn into and moved by long after the film's end.