The Overlook; Always Shine

(firstshowing.net)

Remember in high school when the kids in drama club would compete with one another for roles to the point that you were worried they'd try and wear each other’s faces? That is pretty much the essence that's carried into last year's Always Shine. Following a pair of actresses with similar looks but very different personalities and demeanors, Always Shine is a deeply unsettling thriller. When the two women attempt to rekindle their fading friendship, their weekend getaway to Big Sur quickly opens old wounds.

At the very least, Always Shine is a compelling, feminist narrative about frenemies who are pitted against one another in an industry known for its ability to create competition between women. Always Shine stars Mackenzie Davis (The Martian) as the unsubtle and less successful Anna, and Caitlin Fitzgerald (Masters of Sex) as the meeker "it girl," Beth. In terms of this film's best aspects, the acting certainly stands out. Both Davis and Fitzgerald work in tandem perfectly. In fact, even if the plot, setting and dialogue were weak, it's probable that the two could still carry this film.

Always Shine is a compelling and intentional examination of women's role in Hollywood. It's the type of poignant storytelling that never takes advantage of the conflicting friends. Instead of cheap gimmicks and reality TV drama, Always Shine shoots for thought-provoking subtext - all to the betterment of the characters. The women featured in Always Shine are flawed, but neither are presented as entirely villainous or virtuous.

Always Shine is a fiery journey. Filled with underlying tension and cringe-worthy moments only propelling by amazing performances, each scene in Always Shine feels necessary. This is a film that knows where it is going, and while a viewer could easily deduct what could happen as well, they'll never stop gripping their chair. Always Shine is able to maintain control and attention even in its quietest parts because it never stops moving. It's a slow-burn thriller, but that burn is never anything less than a flare in the sky.

For a film that was subtly released and received wide acclaim, it seems strange that more people haven't seen it. Always Shine is amazing - equally horrific as it is dramatic, and consistently well done. Anna and Beth are equally strong women with goals and their routes for achieving those goals are expectantly different, but it is in the observation of one another's relationships with the other where Always Shine truly shines.