Sequoia

Sequoia is a thought-provoking indie drama film from 2014, which stars Aly Michalka, Dustin Milligan, and Sean Hood. Directed by Andy Landen and written by Andrew Rothschild, Sequoia follows the journey of a 23-year-old woman named Riley (Aly Michalka) as she grapples with terminal cancer, the course of life, and the plausible inevitability of death. Despite being a movie with a melancholic backdrop, the film strikes an interesting balance between raw, heavy emotions and wry, dark humor.

The story unfolds as Riley, a candid and impulsive woman, makes a life-altering decision to end her life with dignity in the tranquil yet hauntingly beautiful Sequoia National Park following her terminal cancer diagnoses. With this aim, she embarks on an introspective journey in solitude across the vast landscape of the Sequoia National Park. As the journey progresses, the audience is gradually introduced to her life, her vulnerabilities, and her battles against terminal cancer.

Aly Michalka delivers an impeccable performance as Riley, meticulously capturing the raw emotions of a complex character dealing with enormous pain and life-altering decisions. Her acting ebbs and flows with the tormenting decision she has to make, potently resonates the stark reality of life and death, and poignantly exposes the inner turmoil of a young woman coming to terms with her life's cruel fate.

Dustin Milligan plays Ogden, an unsuspecting musician Riley meets on her journey. An unexpected encounter ends up with him becoming an unintentional companion on her poignant journey. The relationship between Riley and Ogden strikes many chords, presenting the audience with moments of laughter, comfort, and unexpected romance amidst the bleak scenario. Milligan toutly performs his role, bringing depth to a character that initially seems shallow and immature but gradually unfolds to be much more intricate and sensitive.

The supporting cast doesn't fail to leave an impactful mark. Among them, Sean Hood takes up the role of Riley's brother, Beckett. Though his role is not central, his performance is noteworthy and contributes to the overall mood of the film.

Sequoia National Park is not just a setting in the movie; it serves as a symbol for something larger, a metaphor for the themes the film wishes to explore, such as life, death, peace, and turmoil. The magnificent and tranquil ambiance it presents creates an interesting contrast with the grim narrative. The cinematography fails not to capture the majestic expanse, the vast silences, and the intricate details of the park's landscape, each scene soaked with a subtle symbolism that adds depth to the storyline.

The film score composed by Mark Orton further enhances the storytelling, evoking the right emotions at the right moments. The melancholic tunes beautifully narrate the highs and lows of Riley's journey, while the breathtaking cinematography authentically portrays the essence of the Sequoia National Park.

Sequoia is not your typical heart-wrenching movie about death and despair; it's more about personal choices, accepting reality, and finding comfort in the unlikeliest of places and people. Through its narrative, Sequoia prompts its audience to reflect on life's fragility, the idea of mortality, and how one person's choice can affect those around them, directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally. It is a film that leaves you with a profound impact, a lingering feeling that stays with you even after the credits roll.

To watch Sequoia is to embark upon a journey that's not just about a young woman's unexpected alliance with an unexpected friend against her fight with cancer, it's also a journey of introspection, resilience, and contemplation about life's many uncertainties.

In this emotionally charged drama, the extraordinary storytelling, the nuanced performances, and the majestic backdrop of Sequoia National Park weave a compelling narrative, making it a must-watch for those seeking a different perspective on life, relationships, and mortality. It is a soul-stirring exploration of the human psyche, a testament to life in the face of death, and a reminder of the unknown facets of humanity that emerge in dire circumstances.