Recently, I purchased the short film Sparrow on DVD and have to say it was money well spent. The film was not meant to be eloquent and prettied up. It was meant to be raw and show the ugly side of family relationships when they go awry, and the emotional damage that can be done if healing does not take place.
There is an interesting contrast that stands out in the film in which one pair of family members finds forgiveness in their hearts and is willing to reconcile, while another family is not yet able, or willing, to tear down the walls of bitterness and resentment.
Dixie Lee Sedgwick gives an intensely emotional performance as Angie, who is battling both her mother and her own inner-demons while trying to maintain a relationship with her young daughter.
Veteran actress Gail Cronauer is convincing as Moreen, the unscrupulous mother who is intent on making Angie's life as miserable as her own.
There is a good mix of characters in Sparrow...some who inspire sympathy, and others who are just plain despicable.
The fabric of the story belongs to Angie, who must decide if she will continue down the path to destruction or turn to the straight and narrow path. While she does not announce her choice verbally, there is one subtle clue to her desired fate. But, you need to watch the film to find out.
