What Children Do

What Children Do is a heartwarming indie comedy-drama film released in 2017, directed by prolific filmmaker, Dean Peterson. The movie stars talented actors, Nicole Rodenburg, Grace Rex, and Josh Ruben in the main roles, offering deeply compelling performances that eloquently strike a chord between happiness and sorrow.

The film presents a narrative of sisterhood, old grudges, love, and the prevailing past, knit together in a small, rural town setting. The dilemma begins when Amy (Nicole Rodenburg), a struggling actor in New York City, is compelled to return to her childhood home in the quiet, small town where she grew up.

The circumstances of her return lie heavily around her sick, ill grandmother. Amy's grandmother is bed-ridden and in desperate need of care. Amy, however, doesn't return alone; accompanying her is her estranged sister, Shannon (Grace Rex), who has spent most of her life in the confines of their hometown, hindering her personal growth and worldview.

What Children Do offers a poignant look at the clashes that arise from their contrasting personalities – Amy as the ambitious protagonist who bolted from her roots to chase her big-city dreams, and Shannon embodying the quieter, subdued end of the spectrum, with her life completely woven into the small town's fabric.

Josh Ruben plays the role of the love interest that further intensifies the complicated dynamics between the sisters. His character stands as a symbol of the past, a shared romantic interest, and an unresolved heartbreak. His presence acts as a catalyst, igniting old squabbles and awakening the unresolved emotions between the two sisters.

Director Dean Peterson brings forth a moving narrative that perfectly encompasses elements of humor, tension, bonding, and a touch of nostalgia. What further sets his directorial vision apart is the ability to bring out the finest nuances in the storyline through his cast’s commendable performances.

Nicole Rodenburg as Amy presents a beautiful portrayal of a city girl, filled with ambition and dreams, trying to square up with her past. Grace Rex embraces the character of Shannon with remarkable earnestness that makes you sympathize with her life choices and innocence. Josh Ruben adds another interesting layer to the storyline with his engaging performance that keeps the audience guessing about his real intentions.

The picturesque small-town backdrop further magnifies the complexities of characters and their relationships. The distinctive aura of this quaint town and the simplicity of its people induce a sense of tranquility which contrasts starkly with the conflict brewing in the lives of the main characters, thus fostering an intriguing juxtaposition.

The script of What Children Do navigates through the intricacies of familial dynamics and a shared past with subtle grace. The exchanges between the characters seem realistic and relatable, which makes the audience empathize with their joys, conflicts, and concerns. The screenplay acts as a significant driver of the narrative, making it as engaging as it is emotional.

This film not only provides an intriguing plot but also explores deeper themes of one's roots, the significance of family bonds, and personal growth and transformation. It probes the quintessential question of whether flying from the nest is the only way to achieve one's ambitions or whether there is room for dreams in the quieter corners of life.

With What Children Do, Dean Peterson grabs hold of his audience, immersing them in the journey of two sisters trying to rediscover their family, their love, their disagreements, and their shared history. The film's unique mix of emotionality, comedy, and drama combined with strong performances make it a compelling watch.

In essence, What Children Do serves as a heartfelt exploration of coming to terms with one’s past, discovering unresolved affections, mending broken bonds, and meeting halfway between ambition and duty. This movie assures a roller-coaster of emotions embedded with the warmth of convincing characters, immersive storytelling, and a touch of humor, making it a well-rounded piece of cinema worth watching.