Cicada

When Cicada started, it felt to me like a slice-of-life tale of young love blooming in the Big City over the summer. And it is that, but so much more.

While the film deals with some heavy topics, it does so with a deft hand and balances intensely dramatic moments with humor - the way life does for all of us. One moment we can be in throes of panic from a personal dilemma, the next sharing a laugh with a friend. The subtext I read into was that personal tragedy does not have to define us. By putting in the effort to work on ourselves, being vulnerable with those close to us, and getting up every day to try again - we can live full, pleasurable lives. There is a resilient and hopeful energy current that runs throughout the film which balances the dark themes that are addressed. In my opinion, this is the mark of a skilled storyteller.

I found the performances and production style made the film feel very real and relatable. Shot against the backdrop of 2013 Brooklyn and Long Island; the visual side of the storytelling, including editing, maintain a momentum and intensity that keep your attention and draw you in. While many of the actors will seem fresh faces to most (hopefully not for long) - you'll see some more known players turning in great supporting performances.

I really enjoyed this movie at Outfest, and highly recommend it. I look forward to seeing it released on larger platforms so I can share with friends.