Mariana Botello

So refreshing and amazing. Did not expect to be crying this much after seeing it.

Zoë Kravitz's* directorial debut left no crumbs—this is a thrilling masterpiece that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. From start to finish, the film dives headfirst into a topic most would be afraid to explore with such raw vulnerability, especially in today’s social and industry climate. The fearless storytelling is woven with deeply emotional performances, making it impossible to look away. The film is not only a showcase of Kravitz’s vision but also a reflection of the times we live in, tackling subjects that are timely and uncomfortable in the most authentic and nuanced ways. It’s bold, it’s gripping, and it challenges the audience to engage with these issues on a deeper level. This is hands down one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time—a perfect combination of daring direction and heart-stopping drama that lingers long after the credits roll. If this is Kravitz’s first offering, I can’t wait to see what she does next.

**If I Didn’t Read the Book: 7.5/10** As a standalone movie, this is a solid 7.5 out of 10. The plot is engaging enough, and the cinematography is decent. The story telling is intriguing, and even without knowing the source material, it would keep most viewers entertained. However, it's clear that something is missing—perhaps a deeper connection to the characters or a stronger emotional payoff. **If I Did Read the Book: 3/10** WHICH I DID !!!! Having read the book, this movie falls disappointingly short, earning only a 3 out of 10. When a book is as compelling and well-written as this one, fans naturally hope for a faithful and impactful adaptation. Unfortunately, this is not one of those rare cases where the film lives up to or even enhances the source material. The adaptation misses the mark in several key areas. The most redeeming aspect of the film is Justin Baldoni portrayal of Ryle. He embodies the character perfectly, delivering the depth and complexity that fans of the book expect. His performance is truly the essence of Ryle and is the only part of the movie that fully meets expectations. The rest of the cast, however, leaves much to be desired. Their performances feel bland and uninspired, almost as if they’re “eggs without salt”—lacking flavor and impact. The other characters, who are so vividly brought to life in the book, are reduced to mere shadows in the film. Overall, while the movie is okay in its own right, it fails to capture the magic of the book. For fans of the novel, this adaptation is likely to be a disappointment.