Where We Started

Directed by Christopher J. Hansen in 2013, Where We Started is a poignant drama artfully interlaced with elements of romance that will speak to audiences on a deeply personal level. Metaphysical in nature and rife with impactful performances, this tale of two strangers meeting under the bleakest of life’s circumstances offers a truthful and profound look at human relationships and the complex mechanics of emotional infidelity.

Where We Started stars two-time Jeff Award nominee, Matthew Brumlow, and Jess Goldstein Award recipient, Cora Vander Broek, both serving as the simple-yet-complex movie's heart and soul as they become accidental partners in emotionally agonizing isolation. Stan Denman delivers an underlying performance that slips into the main narrative considerably but not invasively.

The film unfolds mainly in an enclosed motel room where the two lead characters, Nora and Will, remain stranded due to a shared tragedy. Trapped in the inescapable gloom, both protagonists are nudged into confronting the achingly unfinished business of their individual lives. Hurt by their respective circumstances, both teeter on the edge of discontent and face a reality they have avoided for far too long.

Matthew Brumlow plays Will, an aspiring actor grappling with a gradually diminishing spark in his marriage. Challenged by the immensity of his dreams and the disappointing realities of his life choices, Will finds himself questioning the worth of his marriage. Brumlow portrays the intertwining senses of frustration and despair convincingly, hitting the right chords with the audience by presenting a relatable human struggle.

On the other hand, Cora Vander Broek delivers a moving performance as Nora, an enigmatic woman reeling under the weight of her troubled past. Holding tight to her secrets, Nora is drawn towards Will as they share a bond of agonizing familiarity and confusion. Nora's silent desperation, brilliantly projected by Broek, serves as a crucial component of the narrative, pushing it towards a significant resolution.

Stan Denman's character might only grace the film's panoramas for a limited time, but his contribution is in no way less substantial than his co-actors. His relativeness within the main narrative acts as a grounding force that keeps viewers connected to the movie's realism.

The chemistry between the leading stars is a significant propelling force in the film. Brumlow and Broek's performances effectively absorb the audience into their haunting narrative. Their struggles are likely to evoke sympathy from viewers, given their deep sense of regret and emotional turmoil that most people experience at some point in their life.

Where We Started is a movie that doesn't shy away from diving headfirst into the human condition territory. It keenly explores themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and introspection, inviting audiences to participate in the cathartic journey. Director Christopher J. Hansen imbues the narrative with an almost stoic atmosphere that reflects the harsh realities and complexities of life. He inspires introspection and forces everyone to dwell over the profound topic of satisfaction and the human capacity for longing.

Additionally, the cinematography of the film is strikingly intimate, effectively taking viewers into the heart of the story. The limited setting of the movie, primarily the motel room, further enhances the narrative’s impact, focusing on the dialogue and the characters' raw emotions.

Where We Started is not a movie for the faint of heart. It asks difficult questions of its audience and, to a certain extent, doesn't provide all the answers. Hansen sets up its lead characters in a mirror complexly reflecting their anguish in our eyes. However, this magnifying glass into these uncomfortable human perspectives also makes it an engrossing experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Where We Started is certainly more than just a movie about dire circumstances. It is an impactful depiction of ordinary individuals navigating despair and regret, and learning to find solace and kinship in the most unexpected places. With outstanding performances, personally relatable themes, and a deeply meaningful narrative, the film is a must-watch for drama and indie movie enthusiasts.