Among the Willows is another independent movie that has many very good moments and a few not so good ones. Overall the movie is entertaining and well made. The music matches the scenes very well and most of the acting is good to very good. The story is really nothing new, but it's still fun to watch unfold.
The story is told from three points of view. Mary Cronon, her grandfather John Williams and her kidnapper, Eli Kilpatrick. The three stories finally merge into a final reckoning but not before a hidden truth about Mary is revealed.
Overall the movie is well shot and acted, although I felt some were better than others. The real treasure is the supporting cast. The three henchmen, Tom, Spence and Hiram, were very good as was Miller and Everett. The saloon girls were adorable. Susie showed wonderful compassion in her relationship with Everett and Mae expertly goes from scared little girl to shotgun totting badass in a couple of heartbeats. Their chemistry together was very enjoyable to watch. Mr. Kilpatrick was excellent as the bully father figure and Emma's scene in a flashback is very emotional. It was fun to see Caryn Richman play such a different role and she nailed it. How could you not smile when she spits on the grave? As for the three main leads this is where it weakens... but just a little. Mary goes happy little girl at her 16th birthday to experiencing tremendously life altering events. Very strong acting chops are required for such a role and although the actress did well enough, her inexperience showed just a little. The first scene where we see Eli was well done but then as the movie goes on, he seems to become more one dimensional. He does redeem himself in the third act with some wonderful scenes with Mary where I could feel his pain. John, I felt was not really up to the standard that was being set around him. He does, although, have a couple of very good efforts in scenes with Miller. They seem to have good on screen chemistry, but overall it felt more like acting instead of investing in the role. The end scene with John and Everett, while was good, could and should have been better.
All that being said and done, I did find this an enjoyable and well made movie. Some up and coming talent mixed in with some seasoned actors is a good recipe. I hope it does well.
