Best Friends Forever (2013) is a movie written by Brea Grant and Vera Miao, directed by the first, and starring both of them as the main characters. The movie starts by alluding to the characters personalities and their pasts, their tensions and their shared relationship. The pacing is a bit slow and explores the apocalypse through the eyes of two women who are oblivious to it for the most part. It explores the harsh realities of a nuclear attack; the vast number of casualties, the limited resources and the heightened levels of violence and rape, as well as police corruption. If you plan on watching this movie, there are some parts which are hilarious, some parts that may be awkward and some disgusting. Overall, it requires you to get in touch with the characters and to see the intersecting approach of race and gender in times of crises.
The storyline is well thought out and does have an empowering aspect (the female is not simply being objectified) as well as trying to move past simple stereotypes. It tries to stay away from the gore, the actual explosion and focuses on survival, and how to move on. Not wanting to spoil the character's and their separate journeys, it is safe to say that the two main characters are juxtaposed at times, but it is their bond that helps them throughout the film as well as provides meaning. Both Harriet and Reba gain a sense of self by separating themselves from the other; and through this gain a sense of individuality.
The sound, lighting and pace are all decent to good, and help to set the tone for the movie. I found this movie to be extremely worth the 88 minute version (IMDB says 113, so I might have seen a different cut). I would definitely recommend it to people who want to see some character development, a well written and directed piece, and can sit through a slower paced film. The trailer does not capture the film at all, it is not as dark as it is painted, and much of the movie takes place outside time in a way (though supporting characters do have knowledge of the apocalypse and their actions are determined by that).
The ratings for this film will range from 3-7 on average, but because the film does what it seeks to do, does not try too hard, stray from their premise, I would rate it a 8/10.
