Indie Film Review “Where Fireflies Dance” Returning to love, the need for absolution, and correcting our past mistakes takes flight in small town America
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
First, the Recap:
Yearnings from the past and whether to revisit or relinquish them. It is no secret that when we may have found that special someone we think is “IT”, the feelings inside of us stir even when just thinking of them, much less being in their presence. We are on top of the world and believe that there is nothing that will separate it. But, when the exact opposite becomes reality, and the hurt that accompanies it rises up, can there ever be a spark again?
Elementary school teacher and aspiring (aka: struggling) artist Sadie Leggett (Billie D. Merritt) is looking forward to her Summer getaway post school year….at least until her flight gets grounded. Taking this unexpected detour from her plans, she ends up back in her small hometown of Little Elm, where everyone knows everyone, and everything, that took place so many years ago when it came to a relationship with the man she’s about to run into once more…..Jack Ryland (Brady McInnes).
Next, my Mind:
I feel like I’ve said many a thing many a time when it comes to my personal enjoyment of independent cinema over my now former love, mainstream. Regardless of what the reasons may be, and they probably change as more time passes, one of the many inescapable truths this wide-ranging sector of the industry provides….relevance to our human existence. Sure, there are also plenty of straight-up efforts that are very much for entertainment purposes alone. But, in my experience over the last 14 years, there’s usually much more to it than that. Another facet I tend to appreciate is actually the simplicity and/or uncomplicated nature of many indie projects. Mind you, this doesn’t mean devoid of depth or meaning, but rather choosing to exercise content, characters, and stories that can be told without overt bombast, visually or otherwise, instead conveying themselves with a grounded, often wholly realistic tone and core messaging.
And therefore we arrive to this 70-minute, newly released, wonderfully paced, endearingly charming, gratifyingly engaging romantic drama, courtesy of writer/director/producer Grayson Berry, producer Brandi Price, executive producer Dena Weaver, along side associate producers Patty Parker Mathes and Frank McEachern, that satisfyingly substantiates my statements above while allowing us to simply sit back, take in a nicely written and heartening tale of love, forgiveness, personal transformation, and second chances, plus enjoy the escape. Does this film cover new territory? Absolutely not. Does it contain many of the standard tropes we might expect in a film with its core themes? Absolutely yes. And, if you as the film loving viewer can come into it understanding that it is a film that doesn’t pretend to BE anything else than what it is, does it permit us to relax, smile, absorb the lessons it teaches, and feel great afterwards? Definitely!
Even the certain magnitude of predictability that accompanies the proceedings did not remotely steal away this critic’s calmly present elation and pleasurable watch involving a narrative that sees a young woman waylaid from her originally planned Summer getaway having a return home that makes her encounter (and deal with!) the love and specters of her past while rekindling a long lost flame with her jilted high school sweetheart. I know, I know, it sounds like a Hallmark Movie of the Week. Just being frank, there IS an element of that present. BUT, WHY does that need to be any kind of BAD thing?? EASE UP, people! The real beauty of this narrative and its explorations IS that aforementioned straight-forwardness of it all and the unavoidable actuality that it DOES strike you square in the heart like it is supposed to, with that patented mix of drama, a little humor, and an innocent soul that DARES you NOT to feel all melty when things go like you hope!
As hinted at above, thematically the film forms into an ode to small town life, the best laid plans going astray, having to face the unexpected when it comes to our decisions (good or bad), realizing a flame long since dormant may NOT be so as much as we thought when it comes to love, the power of recollections/memories and encountering them anew, the desire to NOT repeat past mistakes, how we can end up being an influence on others in order to inspire them to grow and achieve, the resentments, anger, and hurt we hold within when someone we invested in left us, the associated damage we carry because of it, and reclaiming the solace that someone special truly does give to us all has its place and presence in the film. The finale is indeed the stuff of storybooks and enchanting fairy tales, and you know what, THAT is AWESOME. It leaves you where you ideally WANT to be with a film like this. Accomplished, with grace and spirit….plus the melty stuff!
Merritt has an immediate grace, poise, and definitive charisma that sticks with you from the moment we are introduced to her and then throughout the film’s runtime, possessing realistic beauty, a steadfast personality, and inescapable appeal through her role as Sadie. A teacher just wanting to get away for the Summer break and take part in her true favorite aspiration, being an artist, Sadie’s plan hits a roadblock, causing her to divert to her old hometown and all the baggage that initially carries with it, including the former love of her life, Jack. With everyone knowing she’s back, including him, their reunion is both passionate yet possibly a little to impetuous, and whether they can both weather each other and a town’s mixed scrutiny remains to be seen. Merritt guides Sadie’s character through the temptation, tumult, and telltale signs that amoré has made itself known between them once more.
Merritt just adds that “country girl” demeanor and wholesome allure that attracts and captures you without question. In the same vein, McInnes channels leading man magnetism but via a down home humility and an “everyman” bearing that pretty much any woman would fall for through his role as Jack, Sadie’s high school boyfriend whom ended up on the short end of the stick…and hasn’t forgotten it. Yet, once in Sadie’s unforeseen presence again, even with the inner pain he wields, it doesn’t take much time for him to totally fall for her again. As they spend more and more time together, with the town gossip mill buzzing away, it stands to reason that at some point, what he’s been holding inside might still find a way out. How it will impact the reunited pair is what drives the story forward, and McInnes just flows with a viable chemistry between them while not sacrificing portraying Jack’s resolve and understandable hesitancy towards he and Sadie’s future.
Supporting turns abound, first through Katerina Damm as Haley, a local cafe employee whom Sadie takes under her wing. Thomas Ryan Ward is Quentin, the local “Muleber” driver who is among the many recalling Sadie and Jack’s past affiliation. Deke Anderson and Kevin Crank are Griffin and Rick respectively, a pair of local veterans with whom Sadie and Jack share some campfire stories with. Martha Louise is Lulu, a store owner who happens to hold a particular piece of artwork Sadie’s interest just might be piqued by. Colleen Mooney is Charlotte, Jack’s sister who’s been protecting an essential secret for many a year, “protecting” her brother. Amber Burroughs is Lylah, a former schoolmate of Sadie’s from “those days” whom harbors some serious ill will towards her. Jason Ramirez is Benny, a good friend of Jack’s who acts as his voice of reason, really his “Yoda” if you will. To all of you, genuinely, I loved what each of you brought to these characters!
Additional turns are made by Brandi Price as Cindi, a friend and fellow teacher at Sadie’s school, Hanh Berry, Pat Throop, Jennifer McEachern, Luke McEachern, Obiwan Kenobi (the dog), Jennifer Power, Maddy Menser, Isaac Loftin, and Joel Summerville. No small parts! You ARE seen and acknowledged! So, in total, with its country music-driven ambiance in full swing, “Where Fireflies Dance” is a winning exposé on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, yes, but also reconciliation and traveling back to who we really are, what we never let go of, accepting what needs to be changed, and embracing what’s to come with all our might so that we don’t lose sight or hold of what will fulfill us the most.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
