Very indie, and very low budget: the production values here are unfortunate, generally seeming to be on the level of "homemade video." Whether it's advantageous or not is up for debate, but that quality does dovetail neatly into the fact that 'City of trees' is very plainspoken in its tone and unembellished in its craft. By the nature of this picture, and the style it plays with, one can easily conjure comparable titles from more renowned filmmakers or stars - the type of feature that bears a definite narrative, but is so tightly focused as a portrait of one or two characters that the story on hand is scarcely more than a tracing of those lives over a minute span of time.
By all means, these are all understandable reasons why this movie may not sit well with general audiences; the level that filmmaker Alexandra Swarens is operating on is admittedly an idiosyncrasy that one must abide, extending as well to the sound design. Look past the superficial indelicacy, however, and the bare-faced approach to the movie-making lends to a refreshing honesty, and a sense of authenticity. No-frills, and intent on low-grade "drama" in the most rudimentary sense of the word, this is a glance at a somewhat sullen young woman returning home and engaging with her past. Unmistakably austere as it presents, Swarens' writing is nonetheless wonderfully earnest and real, providing for scenes as rich and warm as they are occasionally awkward and silly - just in the way that life can be. That goes for the characters, the dialogue, the scene writing, and the minimal narrative: not especially complex, but unexpectedly engrossing, satisfying, and indeed rewarding in completing this simple, lovely tableau. For that matter, the same description applies just as readily to most everything about 'City of trees' - the music, Swarens' direction, and even small details like hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
Importantly, the small cast is peculiarly perfect. Everyone involved clearly - naturally - adored Swarens' excellent, heartfelt screenplay, and the tack she has taken with the picture, for they all embrace their modest, inelaborate roles with enthusiasm. Even supporting cast members like Joseph Miller, Kate McIntyre, and Andrew V. Perkins illustrate welcome nuance, personality, and range - appropriately attuned to the particular tenor of the feature. In a like fashion but more prominently, Olivia Buckle is sweetly enchanting and certainly capable as kind Sophie - bighearted, with hidden depths. Above all, Swarens herself is all but perfect as protagonist Ainsley, and very relatable - down on her luck, down on herself, and struggling to find peace in her life. Swarens could carry the film all by herself if she had to, with outstanding poise and strength of personality. I immediately want to find more films from all involved, Buckle and Swarens most of all.
'City of trees' broaches familiar thematic and storytelling territory, but with a bare-bones combination of sincerity, genuineness, and unadorned care and film-making passion that makes ever the more endearing and absorbing. To whatever extent one may call to mind similar movies, none are quite like this; Swarens' creation is one all its own. Heartwarming and thoughtful, the final cut far exceeds the humble first impression that it makes upon beginning, and starts to prove itself very early. From the seeming stock footage(!) that opens the picture, to the gratifyingly candid and pleasing ending, I think this is a truly marvelous film: a fine example of the stupendous heights that can be achieved without major studios or lofty financial backing, and little more than drive and a camera. Alexandra Swarens, her cast, and her crew should be mightily proud: 'City of trees' is a tremendous, moving title that deserves substantially more attention and recognition. This is worth seeking out wherever you may find it, and gets my highest recommendation!
