Something, Anything

Something, Anything is a 2014 American independent drama film directed and written by Paul Harrill, starring Ashley Shelton, Bryce Johnson, and Linds Edwards. This evocative and introspective movie delves into the self-realization and spiritual discovery of a young woman who finds herself questioning her life choices, marking her transition from an unwitting follower of social norms to a seeker of her essence and purpose.

Set against the backdrop of tranquil Knoxville, Tennessee, the movie shoulders a deep and ethereal narrative revolving around the protagonist, Peggy (Ashley Shelton), a successful real estate marketer. While pegged as a seemingly high-achiever to an outsider, the dissatisfaction and hollowness Peggy feels are palpable. A sudden incident propels her to question her desires, identity, and the choices she's been making. Thus begins her journey of self-reflection and a quest for a more meaningful existence.

Bryce Johnson plays Peggy's finance-driven husband; his character personifies the world Peggy wants to distance from - materialistic, detached, and always pushing towards the next big deal. Linds Edwards, on the other hand, introduces a gentle and contemplative contrast to Johnson's character. He plays a high school acquaintance and sparks a touch of spiritual exploration and introspection within Peggy that steers her journey towards self-realization.

In her quest, Peggy chooses to abandon the comforts of her material world—plush job, a luxe apartment, and her marriage. Her isolation is often hinted at through captivating cinematic imagery that illustrates her alienation from her past life and her growing alignment with spirituality.

Ashley Shelton delivers a compelling performance as Peggy - her nuanced portrayal captures the raw emotions of a young woman grappling with the emptiness of success in the material world and trying to fill it through spiritual exploration. Through Peggy's restlessness and yearning for something more, Shelton effectively communicates the theme of spiritual seeking that underscores the film.

Bryce Johnson presents an engaging contrast to Shelton's character with his portrayal of the ambitious, money-driven husband. His often dismissive and detached characterization invites thought-provoking questions about the definition of success and fulfillment. Linds Edwards's calm and serene demeanor introduces a refreshing perspective—his dialogue and interaction with Peggy provoke audience reflections about the importance of spiritual connection and inner peace.

What makes Something, Anything remarkable are its strong spiritual undertones. Its subtle commentary on the disillusionment with materialistic success and the quest for holistic fulfillment in the overlooked facets of life—quiet contemplation, spiritual connection, and serenity in simple living—stays with the audience long after the film is over.

The director, Paul Harrill, does an impressive job by showing not telling through masterful visuals. He captures the internal journey of Peggy's transformation with subtlety that allows the audience to interpret and perceive the nuances of the narrative in their way. However, this approach doesn’t over-simplify the narrative or preach any absolutes, which makes this film a thought-provoking exploration for every individual resonating differently.

The film's production values also lend a distinctive appeal to the narrative. Filmed in Tennessee, the cinematography aptly captures the tranquility and poignant beauty of the setting. The color palette, the calming hues of blue, green, and brown, align nicely with the film's introspective mood. The background score is subtle and understated, perfectly intertwining with the narrative and highlighting the emotional tones of the film without overpowering the performances.

In conclusion, Something, Anything is a film that resists easy categorization. It's a drama that communicates profound observation and introspection through silence and minimal dialogues—highlighting a journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and the quest for a more meaningful existence. The audience is certain to appreciate the authenticity, the quiet depth of the narrative, and the thought-provoking subtlety it brings to the cinematic experience. The movie invites viewers to tune into the undertones of their own lives, leading to their self-reflection and introspection.