I Will Follow

"I Will Follow" is a thought-provoking and moving contemporary drama that brilliantly incorporates elements of love, sorrow, and hope. Released in 2010, it's an indie gem that received critical praise for its understated performances and flawless execution. Ava DuVernay, a rising figure in the Hollywood landscape known for her deft handling of complex and relevant themes, writes and directs this deeply introspective film, ensuring every scene and every line of dialogue resonates profoundly with the audience.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield, an actress whose grace and devotion to her craft is evident in every role she takes on, shines in this film as Maye Fisher. Maye, a successful makeup artist is grappling with a significant personal loss and is in the process of dismantling the house of her recently deceased aunt whom she had been taking care of.

The movie explores a 24-hour time frame that forms a crossroads in Maye's life. She is moving out of her beloved aunt's house after her death, and each packing box peels back layers of cherished memories and profound grief. It's evident that Maye had a special relationship with her aunt, and her passing has left a void that Maye is struggling to fill.

Omari Hardwick portrays Troy, Maye's neighbor, someone she has known since her childhood. An empathetic character, Troy helps bridge the gap between Maye’s sorrow and hope. Michole Briana White is seen as Fran, a religious woman with her own stern beliefs about Maye’s lifestyle. While she also grieves the aunt's death, she represents a more traditional, perhaps judgmental, view toward familial relations compared to Maye's deep personal connection.

What makes "I Will Follow" shine is the delicate handling of its subject matter and complex relationships. The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, which allows Maye's backstory and relationship with her aunt to be framed within the current. The intricate threading of past and present, reality and memory, love and grief makes the narrative intensely compelling. Interestingly, the film doesn't shy away from the emotional facets of Maye's life. Instead, these elements are brought to the fore, serving as the driving force of the story.

Richardson-Whitfield does a commendable job as Maye, creating an intimate, humanizing portrayal of a woman trying to move forward from her loss. Her nuanced performance walks a delicate line between vulnerability and resilience, making audiences easily resonate with her character. On the other hand, Hardwick’s Troy is the comforting presence in Maye’s life, a kind soul yearning to help her through her grief. His portrayal is as nuanced and believable as Richardson-Whitfield's, and their on-screen dynamic forms the heart of the film.

"I Will Follow" is not just about mourning. The film is an exploration of love, family, choices, and the lingering effects of grief on one's life. While the plot is grounded in realistic and relatable premises, it does not become overwhelmingly heavy. Instead, it combines humor, pathos, and contemplative moments in a seamless, engaging narrative.

DuVernay's careful consideration for details, whether it's in the well-defined characters, the heartfelt dialogues, or the fully realized settings, ensures every aspect of the film resonates with authenticity. This dramatically underpins Maye's journey to find closure, to keep moving despite the debilitating effect of her aunt's death, and hints at themes of recovery and rediscovery.

"I Will Follow" articulates the quiet strength and the complex emotions of its characters with a simplicity and subtlety that is rare in cinema. With its lyrical, moving narrative, sincere performances, and a strong emotional core, "I Will Follow" is a remarkably authentic film that will likely provoke both catharsis and reflection among its viewers. By artfully showcasing an understanding of human emotions in the face of immense loss, it tells a story of cherishing the moments of life, even when one is forced to let go.