Hello, It's Me

Hello, It's Me is an uplifting family drama released in 2015 and stars well-known actors Kellie Martin, Kavan Smith, and Erin Pitt. This heartwarming, bittersweet film directed by Mark Jean, is based on a novel of the same name written by renowned author Wendy Markham. The film correlates a touching narrative of love, grief, and the possibilities of new beginnings, to deliver a tale that is both deeply moving and enticing.

The film introduces us to the central character played by Kellie Martin. Two years after the sudden passing of her husband Andre, Annie (Martin) and her two children struggle to cope with their grief. Despite the time passed, Annie finds it hard to move on, her life seemed to have stopped when her beloved husband died. Annie desperately holds onto the memories of Andre, and even listening to the messages Andre left on the phone gives her solace. However, amidst her struggle, Annie finds herself at a crossroads – whether to dwell in the past or to move forward for the sake of her children and her own happiness.

As we delve deeper into the narrative, an intriguing twist unfolds. Annie starts receiving mysteriously familiar phone calls, the voice on the line eerily similar to that of her late husband. These unexpected, unsettling phone calls jostle Annie's world. The voice comforts her, supports her, and even guides her, mirroring the role her late husband once held. With each call, Annie finds herself questioning the reality of her situation – is it Andre reaching out from the other side or is it all in her head?

At the same time, she meets James (Kavan Smith), a wealthy, handsome suitor who shows keen interest in her. He is nothing like Andre. James is charming, successful, and pragmatic, a stark contrast to Andre's fun-loving nature. However, James's persistent courting sweeps Annie into a whirlwind of emotions. He offers a fresh chance at love and a new beginning, a prospect that both scares and excites Annie.

Apart from her personal journey, the film also delineates Annie’s relationship with her two kids. The character of Chloe, Annie’s rebellious teenage daughter played by Erin Pitt, adds a unique prism to the narrative allowing viewers to explore teenage angst and loss from a younger perspective. Annie’s struggles to balance her new romance, the mysterious phone calls, and her children’s evolving emotions, adds a layer of depth to the overarching narrative.

Hello, It’s Me expertly treads the delicate issue of finding love after loss. Balancing moments of humor, love, and vulnerability, the film presents a soft-paced narrative journey. The character development in this movie is commendable, as we see Annie transition from a grieving widow to a woman rediscovering her identity and her capabilities of experiencing love once again. Kellie Martin shines in her role as Annie, showcasing the subtle ways a person's strength and vulnerabilities collide in times of loss and love. Kavan Smith, as the charming suitor James, and Erin Pitt, portraying the rebellious teen Chloe, deliver commendable performances that augment the movie's overall appeal.

The soundtrack of Hello, It’s Me complements its tone and pacing, greatly enhancing emotional scenes. The production design strikes a balance between the melancholy of loss and the joy of rediscovery with an appropriate mix of color and tone. The direction splendidly crafts together this poignant narrative that leaves the viewers engrossed and leaves a light-hearted, yet profound impression of reconciling with grief and embracing new beginnings.

Hello, It’s Me is a touching representation of life after loss. It’s a testament to the human heart's incredible ability to heal and love despite the odds. A must-see for those seeking quality family drama and emotional storytelling – a perfect mix to rejuvenate the spirit and insinuate hope, promoting resilience in face of loss, and the strength in giving life and love a second chance.