Mischa Redfern
I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.
Lachlan Coulson
This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
robnero
I just read someones' review that clearly did not like it and found it disconnected. I can't help but wonder what kind of movie that person really wanted to see, because it clearly wasn't this one.
It is a well connected story which parallels in a fashion, the essence of "The Crucible" as is implied. The young actors are true to the form of teenagers in high school, yes, seen before because teenagers behaviors rarely change. They are, as teenagers are. The drama is well felt as is written too. There is a sub story and a side story within this as well with a few other characters, the other students, the main character, the substitute teacher.
Over all, without unraveling it, it is worth the view. I thoroughly enjoyed and the directing was also worth a mention, it was great. I hope all these get other work that shows their talent.
Sabrina
I'm gonna keep this spoiler-free as I really want to speak to potential viewers BUT I will mark clearly at the very end some spoilers so that you can avoid it. But I wanted to cover that bit a little.So, I gave this a chance despite the low rating as I don't really trust IMDB ratings anymore. I'm really glad I did. This turned out to be a nuanced, complex, and interesting film. I only discovered afterwards that the 22 year old young woman who played the lead also co-wrote it, directed it, and produced and/or wrote most of the songs in it. She is someone to watch as it's so surprising to me that somebody so young could get across such complex ideas.What I loved is there is no Bad Guy/Good Guy-everyone is just human, with good qualities and bad. I don't think the trailer conveyed that. It leaves a lot of questions unanswered which some have complained about, but I still find it satisfying as Miss Shephard gave us enough clues that we can fill it in. Many audiences today prefer not to have to think and ponder and use their imagination, they just want stories with simple plots that tell them everything. I found it wonderful. To wrap up, give this a chance!! Especially if you enjoy unusual indie movies.SPOILERS NEXT. LOOK AWAY IF YOU DONT WANT TO SEE!****I loved this ending, I really did. Those last few scenes weave together perfectly. The way it ended with her teacher was fantastic. He showed respect for her and it was obvious on her face that that meant the world to her. She felt valuable. And we are left reminded that even people who make very very poor choices, can have moments of maturity and kindness. Lovely film!
skagurl92102
I thought it was well written for the most part. I had some issues such as the ending. Not entirely sure what the deal was with Melissa's confession towards the end and her and Abigail's smile at one another like they finally understand each other. Also it was unclear with the back story of Abigail and how all of a sudden her limp was gone. But aside from the little things I thought it was pretty good for a 22 year old who wrote, directed, and stared in it.
Parry Burnap
Everything conspired in this movie to surprise, provoke, and delight me. Camera work, directing, acting, writing - subject matter. Blame featured a tight, tense and amusing ensemble cast of young startling talent directed ably with a firm but light collaborative touch that let the actors be real, loose, funny and smart. This movie artfully transcended the possibility of cliché to become archetypal. While Blame might seem to be relevant only to current and recent high school students, its appeal transcends age limitations. I, class of 1977, was transported to the urgency of everyday and every issue in my life at a public high school. This mood, every moment, and the beauty of youth was masterfully captured by the cinematographer. The pearl in this movie, because of the deft skill of every contributor, is that there is no Blame assigned - causality, maybe, but no shame. Life is complicated. And then there's the fact that Quinn Shephard co-wrote (with her Mother), directed, produced, starred in and edited this impressive first work -- without dominating the viewer's experience with her ego. Few can achieve that in any endeavor. How lucky we movie- lovers are to be able to look forward to her career. I personally hope to see Ms. Shephard work with this same cast again. There was magic in it. I will watch for her next project.
