April Gustetter

My dear friend, Scott Williams, was a hair stylist for this film and invited me to see it when it came to Lakeland January 2nd. I knew nothing about it beyond that, so I had no expectations. What I left the theater with was an unexpectedly potent set of feelings and variety of thoughts. The conversation it spurred on the way back to the car and continuing as we drove off was like dessert after a wonderful meal. Recognizing locations was a particular pleasure, as it was filmed mostly (if not entirely) in Lakeland. Real events and people - not actors - smoothly woven into the storyline, added poignant substance without overshadowing the rest of the film's essence. Importantly, it avoided cliché plots or stereotypical roles (which is not to say there weren't recognizable personalities portrayed, only that they were authentic). It is a movie of transformation, acceptance, and reality. It shines a light on a tragedy of life that currently plays out daily. It pays homage to a young man from Winter Haven who was murdered in 2007 because he was gay. Not delivered in syrup or distracted by romance, it is, nonetheless, about true love. The talent gathered for this film is impressive, considering there are no famous names or faces. The camera work, the soundtrack, the clever concepts (notably suds and closets), and the cultural messages all come together to make a well-made, thoughtful, meaningful film. I was moved to tears more than once, I laughed, I frowned, I felt pain, but mostly I was surprised. I simply did not expect such quality and impact from a local indie production. But there it is. And worth seeing again. I look forward to its iTunes release so I can purchase it.