Pollywogs (2013)

Pollywogs: Directed by T. Arthur Cottam, Karl Jacob. With Karl Jacob, Kate Lyn Sheil, Jennifer Prediger, Larry Mitchell. On the heels of a bitter breakup, 30 year old Dylan travels home to Minnesota for a family reunion where he runs into his childhood sweetheart. Having not seen each other for 18 years, since Sarah was taken by her parents to a religious compound, the unexpected encounter brings them back to an intimacy they forgot existed, and reveals what they will become.

“This film was truly unique. It mixes actors with non-actors in a way that doesnu0026#39;t seem so jarring as it typically does in indie films. The result in this one is a true feeling of a real family dynamic, where some family members ARE less polished, not as well spoken, and living different lives than our main characters. I think anyone who has ever been to a family reunion has felt that. It works to great effect in this film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMy only complain about the film is the lack of tangible conflict or action… I did wonder why I was watching these characters at this particular time in their lives, but in the end I really didnu0026#39;t care. I enjoyed u0026quot;hanging outu0026quot; with these people very much and the leads put forth outstanding performances without overshadowing the minor characters.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is a reminder of why we watch Indies.. they donu0026#39;t have to follow conventions of structure or even plot sometimes. I was glad I spent my 100 minutes here, and I think most people will too, especially if they enjoy the differences that indie cinema brings out in the form.”