SXSW 2014: 'Sequoia' Review

SXSW Film Review: ‘Sequoia’

Sequoia is a dark, dramatic film that takes an unflinching look at the effects of cancer on someone who was already dealing with dysfunction and emotional issues.  This is the story of Reily, a 23 year old woman suffering from stage 3 cancer who decides to go to the Sequoia National Park to end her life. Her plan runs in to a speed bump when she meets a young man while at the park. Meanwhile, her family tries to put their differences aside as they rush to try and stop her.

Aly Michalka’s Riley is a complex character with many layers, each one darker than the next.  The boy she meets, Ogden, played by Dustin Milligan, is the exact opposite and the contrast between the two makes for some interesting discussions. When we are introduced to Riley’s family we realize part of the reason why Riley mindset is the way that it is.

Riley’s family is one of the more dysfunctional on screen families that I have seen in awhile.  You have Riley’s mom, Bev (Joey Lauren Adams), who comes off as a self centered bitch who doesn’t give a damn about her daughter. Bev’s boyfriend, Steve (Demetri Martin), believes the majority of Riley’s mental issues are just her way to get attention.  Riley’s rebellious little sister, Van (Sophi Bairley), is more than willing to help Riley in her planned suicide.  Riley’s dad, Oscar (Todd Lowe), is an alcoholic trying to turn things around and also seems to be the one who cares the most if Reily lives or dies.  Each one of these characters seemed to represent every type of screwed up personality we have seen in other unstable onscreen families.  Yet they also felt very real, which is due to the writing.

Andrew Rothschild’s script is never too light in tone as it maintains the sense of foreboding for Riley.  The performances by all the actors felt genuine.  The chemistry between Michalka and Milligan was very strong, and you can feel the tension between them and feelings they develop for each other over the course of the movie.  There is a surprise cameo by Lou Diamond Philips who does a great job for the short amount of time he is on screen.

Director Andy Landen gives us a film that is as poignant as it is entertaining, as well as a bit depressing.  It is a journey that I felt did not drag at any point.  The setting of the beautiful Sequoia woods was an interesting juxtaposition to the dark subject the film presents. Aly Michalka does a fantastic job of pulling you with her to feel her determination, sadness and insanity.  Sequoia is a film that will keep people talking after viewing it, and the cast of characters that will stick with you well after the credits roll. 4 out of 5 stubs.

SXSW 2014 Review: SEQUOIA Rises High

The romance angle between Riley and Ogden is believable, even if it dips a toe into movie romance a bit. But the real story is what is going on inside Riley. She is a nuanced character, hiding behind a wall of sarcasm, her inner beauty peeking out just slightly when Ogden is able to tease it out from behind her incredibly striking eyes.

While the family story is squarely in the b-plot realm, it is enjoyable, mostly because of the good performances and particularly strong editing. There is a lot style on display here from first time director Andy Landen and both the score and cinematography are excellent throughout. Landen has assembled a very strong team and the result is a mature and poignant film. But there is no doubt that the take away from Sequoia is that Aly Michalka is one to watch.

SXSW 2014 Review – Sequoia

Faults aside, “Sequoia” is a wonderful dramatic showcase for Michalka, previously known for Disney Channel fare and supporting roles in comedies like “Easy A.” And Milligan shines in a role that would be easy for those godless liberal monsters in Hollywood to mock: a young, white Christian male. Their relationship, while likely doomed no matter if Riley’s suicide attempt is successful, feels as authentic and beautiful as the park the film shares its name with.

'Sequoia’ Starring Aly Michalka, Joey Lauren Adams and Demetri Martin

But acknowledgement is due for Aly Michalka’s character and performance which is pitched just right. The movie never begs you to sympathize with her, she’s still self-absorbed enough to not be wholly likable, and the performance doesn’t round off her prickly edges.

There's still a few indie precious elements of "Sequoia" especially in the "romance" section that are largely bothersome and unsurprising (does anyone from second one think these two quarreling kids aren't ultimately going to get together?). But despite a narrative that takes you to recognizable places and conventional revelations, "Sequoia" (somewhat ironically and contradictingly) has strong, well-defined characters that clash in compelling ways that ring true. Imperfect, but still engaging, "Sequoia" is perhaps best defined by its final scene; the family continuing to argue ceaselessly while Ogden plays some obnoxiously earnest indie folk banjo tune over top. It may be a bit much, but at least the ugly truths aren't totally erased in favor of wrapping up everything nicely in a perfect bow.