Published in: Indie Film Reviews

Indie Film Review “June Falling Down”

Author OneFilmFan

Published on: September 5, 2016

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

First, the Recap:

Coping with absence. The haunting realization that someone near to us in not just heart, but very soul and being, who had a profound influence on who we’ve strived to become will no longer be present again other than in deeply endearing memory. How indeed does the mind and spirit process this unwanted truancy? Living a meager existence in San Francisco, June Larson (Rebecca Weaver) looks at the world through jaded eyes, even as she strives to find something fulfilling to engage in. However, a new reality awaits when getting unanticipated news from her family in Wisconsin, and soon, at the prodding of her friend Cory (Mitch Lerner), she books a flight and travels east to confront a new challenge.

The revelation–her best friend of countless years, Harley (Nick Hoover), is getting married. Shaking June to the core, timing of the event unintentionally, but no less painfully, coincides with the one year anniversary of her father Rob’s (Steven Koehler) passing. Immediately having to sort out her emotional turmoil about Harley’s decision, June also has to face the still-fractured atmosphere of her own family’s home when interacting with her mother Kathy (Claire Morkin) and younger brother David (Evan Board), both of whom bear their grief in different ways. As June desperately attempts to spend time with Harley and relive old days, pressure mounts within as she juggles a potential new love in Harley’s fiancé Sarah’s (Joanna Becker) cousin, Marcus (Justin Pahnturat), while having to contend with conflicted sentiments and shattered dreams while ultimately being open to newfound possibility, inner healing, and a fresh beginning.

Next, my Mind:

For writer/director/producer/editor/lead actress Rebecca Weaver, this new feature length indie effort was more than just a flight of fancy–it had deep personal resonance at its heart, and let it be said, it greatly reflected in the film’s overall execution and atmosphere. Created on minimum budget and with a committed group of friends acting in it for free, the narrative ebbs and flows with a creative and passionate intent that, for this reviewer, belies its humble origins. The mood and tone reflects the comedic trappings of “My Best Friend’s Wedding” with the depth, dramatic pathos, and realistic, character-driven ambiance of an “August, Osage County”, but perhaps with a little less dysfunction. It’s a persuasive story that doesn’t sacrifice the seriousness of its message by indulging in overt or tiresome melodrama, but rather paints what is most likely an all-to-potent actuality about people trying to handle the severe or subtle obstacles and changes life brings while attempting to ascertain what hope there is for the future, even when it’s staring them in the face.

Weaver’s grounded, girl-next-door look and attitude in the role of June works extremely well here, as her additionally defiant and hurting side to the character also comes out strongly, honestly giving the viewer a sense they are actually following a real life person through this tumultuous period. Again, this should not be a surprise, given Weaver’s own life experiences. June’s pains, heartbreak, happiness, sense of angered confusion, and seeking of solace and release from all she’s been running away from is perfectly emoted and believable as Weaver presents it. This is truly June’s tale, and Weaver makes you feel every moment. Hoover as Harley is another wonderfully achieved performance, as his down-to-earth demeanor and delivery suits the role to a “T”. Reminiscent of Mulroney’s Michael in the aforementioned “Wedding”, Harley’s still meaningful and unassuming friendship with June serves as both calming and inflaming to her resolve in accepting the upcoming divergence in the nature of their bond, and hence makes their interactions throughout both warming and disheartening.

Solid supporting performances are turned in with the other key characters involved thanks to Lerner, Koehler, Board, Morkin, Becker, and Pahnturat among others, as it is the ensemble cast’s involvement that creates the foundation for the two primary leads to stand on. Add the very simple, apropos alternative folk musical score and what is touted as an uncomplicated homemade film turns into an affecting, real-world perspective on life, loss, love, letting go, and being human.

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment.  Until next time, thank you for reading!