The Unspeakable Act

The Unspeakable Act, directed by Dan Sallitt and released in 2012, is a coming-of-age film that whisks us into the unconventional and emotionally charged world of its brave, intelligent, and very unusual protagonist, Jackie Kimball, played by Tallie Medel. She is a 17-year-old in the throes of passionate, unrequited love. The twist, however, is that the obsessive object of her affection is none other than her older brother, Matthew, portrayed by Sky Hirschkron. This unique take on adolescent love and longing sets the foundation for a sincere exploration of human emotion, relationships, and self-discovery.

Set in their isolated and pastel-hued Brooklyn home, the drama unfolds primarily between Jackie and Matthew, presenting an intimate portrait of a life that's close-knit to the brink of being painfully insular. They live with their younger siblings and single mother whose limited presence underscores the emotional burden the children bear due to the sense of abandonment left by the gone father.

With her acute awareness and openness about her forbidden feelings, Jackie becomes an unforgettable character. Medel's portrayal of Jackie is understated, and equally as compelling, as she navigates through the labyrinth of her complex emotions without ever crossing into melodrama. Whether she is engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations with Matthew, discussing films, or casually bringing up her forbidden love, Jackie's character remains enigmatic, endearing, and unnerving all at once.

Matthew, played by Hirschkron, is depicted as a character torn between loving his sister as a sibling and acknowledging the uncomfortable intensity of her feelings towards him. His struggle to help his sister while keeping a safe emotional distance presents an intriguing dynamic that further engrosses the audience in their closely intertwined lives.

The title, The Unspeakable Act, misleads into expecting a scandalous tale, bordering on the taboo. In reality, the film honestly explores the difficult journey of a teenager dealing with unorthodox feelings and how it impacts her relationships and perception of self. Despite tackling such a sensitive topic, the movie is incredibly thoughtful, ensuring that the viewer is made uncomfortable by the peculiarity of the situation rather than any explicit display of impropriety.

Following her heart's distressing path, Jackie seeks help from a therapist, played by Aundrea Fares, a subplot that further adds depth to the storytelling. The therapy sessions with Fares' pragmatically humorous character digs into the roots of Jackie's feelings, adding psychological and philosophical depth to the narrative. The understanding that unfolds is that Jackie's feelings are less about Matthew and more an embodiment of her fear of loneliness, the unfamiliarity of the outside world, and the struggle to come to terms with growing up.

The Unspeakable Act does not try to simplify or moralize its subjects. It presents its characters as they are, flawed, complex, and truthful. The film is a tender exploration of a taboo subject, treating it with surprising sensitivity and intelligence. The film's strength lies in its credible representation of Jackie's emotional struggle and her honest interaction with her world.

Director Dan Sallitt does an excellent job of maintaining a subtle and quiet undercurrent throughout the film, allowing the narrative to flow naturally and elicit empathy in the observer. The film's setting, combined with the nuanced performances of its lead actors, and the smartly composed screenplay, makes The Unspeakable Act a heart-touching account of grappling with an unusual adolescent crisis.

The Unspeakable Act is an emotionally intense and unusually thoughtful movie. It isn't a film about scandal or shock, but rather, about emotional honesty, understanding, and growth. The film explores what happens when the lines between familial love and romantic affection start to blur, creating something unique amidst the genre of coming-of-age films with its stark honesty, characterized performances, and courage in addressing a theme many may consider "unspeakable". A testament to the power of independent cinema, the film is a mesmerizing concoction of deeply felt emotions and complex human psychology.