She's the Eldest

In the huge range of independent family dramas, the 2020 film "She's The Eldest" stands out effortlessly. Directed by Mickey Reece and bringing together a talented cast that includes Mary Buss, Cate Jones, and Mickey Reece himself, this movie invites the audience into the conflicted, capricious, and at times, comedic world of sisterhood.

Taking place in modern suburban America, the film focuses on three siblings, Abigail (played by Mary Buss), Lucy (performed by Cate Jones) and Jane (Sheridan McMichael), who each have starkly different personalities. The eldest sister, Abigail, is the primary focus, hence the film's title. As per traditional family stereotypes, she is the responsible one, the sister who holds her family together through thick and thin. However, this straightforward role does not mean that her character lacks complexities, and Mary Buss exhibits her acting experience through her deep and textured portrayal, revealing slowly the struggles, expectations, and internal conflicts of her character.

Cate Jones plays the already largely independent second sister, Lucy. She presents a perfect concoction of realism and melodrama, making Lucy both relatable and intriguing. She weaves a realm of independence while constantly struggling with the cognitive dissonance of enjoying her liberation and yet feeling the need for sibling camaraderie.

The youthful and seemingly carefree Jane, the youngest of the trio, is portrayed by Sheridan McMichael, who gives an performance that is at once refreshing, profound, and revelatory. Her struggles are more visible, her joys are louder, and her pain seems more tangible because of her age and lack of guile.

As the trio reconnects following their father's death, their comfortable, nostalgic reunion evolves gradually into an intense outpouring of deep-seated emotions, long-held secrets, and unresolved family conflicts. The movie doesn't shy away from raw, cathartic conversations, uncomfortable confrontations, and even light-hearted sibling banter. Old wounds are opened, a family is at the verge of falling apart, and the musty room full of outgrown toys and old family pictures becomes the scene of a reckoning that was long-delayed.

The director, Mickey Reece, has successfully created a poignant, authentic, and at times, unsettling portrayal of family dynamics. His filmmaking tells an intense and compelling story that lingers with the audience long after the end credits. Reece tells this tale in a way that retains the raw emotional intensity of the script while adding elements of his distinct style. His emphasis on visual storytelling allows for a wealth of subtext within each frame, creating a film both rich and profound in its depiction of family ties.

However, the film is more than just a drama; it also explores themes such as personal growth, sacrifice, love, and the complexities of sibling relationships. Its narrative is both timeless and contemporary, engaging viewers with resonating ideas about family, responsibilities, and individual desires.

The performances, combined with Reece's unique directing style, make "She's The Eldest" a compelling watch. The film explores themes both universal and personal, presenting an authentic depiction of sisterhood and family that is rarely captured on screen. Buss, Jones, and McMichael’s outstanding performances bring their characters to life, each finding a perfect balance between vulnerability and strength. Their chemistry is electric, filled with palpable tension and emotional resonance.

In summary, “She’s the Eldest” is a beautifully crafted, authentic and profound exploration of sisterhood and family dynamics. It’s heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, and humorous in equal measures. Despite its heavy subject matter, the film is punctuated with moments of relief that resemble the peaks and troughs of real life. Reece’s film artfully addresses the complexities of the human experience, making it a must-watch for any fan of indie cinema.