Small, Beautifully Moving Parts (2011)

Small, Beautifully Moving Parts: Directed by Annie J. Howell, Lisa Robinson. With Anna Margaret Hollyman, Rhasaan Oyasaba Manning, Josephine Clausen, Christian Menisis. Sarah Sparks is pregnant and feeling wholly ambivalent, despite her boyfriend’s pure enthusiasm. A committed tech-geek, she fears she is more interested in ultrasound technology than in what’s being ultra-sounded. When her sister lures her to L.A. for what ends up being a terrorizing baby shower, Sarah keeps her rental van and hits the road in search of the source of her anxiety: her estranged mother, now living off the grid. SMALL, BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS takes a comic and poignant look at one woman’s coming-of-parenthood in the age of technology.

“The movie was so modestly done and yet able to explore large themes in an incredibly sensitive and honest way. It was understated and convincing, rare in many American movies that hit you over the head. The beautiful details and shots conveyed the full emotional range of even the minor characters. At the same time the viewer was left wondering how the various events would unfold, enjoying the vagaries of this journey of exploration. The actors were similarly extremely natural, believable and moving in their emotions. Funny, moving, engaging and inspiring, this movie blends together the best of finely-honed craft and documentary flexibility. A real gem!”