MOVIE REVIEW
Isabel's Garden
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Kit Rich
Writer(s): Kit Rich
Cast: Karen David, Gabriela Flores, Valery Ortiz, Manuel Rafael Lozano, Jayne Taini, Veronika Dash, Ptolemy Slocum
Where To Watch: coming to VOD & digital January 3, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: ISABEL'S GARDEN offers viewers a storyline as layered and complex as the relationships it explores. This film delves into the life of Maya Carlile (Karen David,) whose unwavering career ambition is dramatically altered by the sudden death of her husband, Diego (Manuel Rafael Lozano.) Thrust into a new role as a stepmother to Isabel (Gabriela Flores,) her late husband's daughter, Maya finds herself navigating uncharted dynamics. The torn feelings further complicate the story by including Christina (Valery M. Ortiz), Diego’s ex-wife. This journey is further engulfed by Maya’s confrontation with Grace (Jayne Taini,) a character with plenty of secrets. The plot captures the challenges and intricacies of creating bonds not by blood but by choice. (believe it or not, the story is immensely personal, even with everything happening!)

Director Kit Rich brings a deeply personal touch to ISABEL'S GARDEN, drawing on her experiences as a stepmother to spotlight the nuanced reality of blended families. Her diverse background infuses the film with an authentic emotional core, offering a fresh lens on a topic that touches many but is seldom explored in cinema. The film's narrative is a mosaic of complex emotions and relationships, resonating with anyone who understands the delicate balance of stepfamily dynamics.

The film's portrayal of grief intertwined with identity issues makes it engaging and introspective. ISABEL'S GARDEN is a modern parable encouraging viewers to reflect on their family and personal narratives. The ensemble cast brings these themes to life with sincerity, including Lozano, whose dual role as actor and executive producer lends depth to the film’s themes of resilience and vulnerability.

ISABEL'S GARDEN occasionally struggles with pacing and predictability in plot development, which may detract from its overall impact on some audience members. Despite this minor growing pain, the movie's genuine delivery and strong performances ensure these flaws do not overshadow the compelling story.

ISABEL'S GARDEN shines in its exploration of “chosen families” against the backdrop of contemporary challenges. The film navigates themes of vulnerability and competition, weaving a tale that celebrates the enduring strength of human connections. Additionally, its exploration of multicultural and intergenerational relationships broadens the scope, offering poignant commentary on the evolving dynamics of American families.

Rich's multiple roles in creating ISABEL'S GARDEN—screenwriter, director, and producer—illustrate a profound commitment to storytelling. Her capability to intertwine personal experiences with universal themes has propelled the film to resonate with audiences and achieve acclaim on the festival circuit.

ISABEL'S GARDEN affirms cinema’s capacity to facilitate healing and foster connections. Although it navigates some well-trodden thematic paths, it does so with an authenticity and depth that leaves a memorable imprint on its viewers. This film is a testament to cinema's power to weave personal stories into the fabric of broader, universally relevant narratives, making it essential viewing for those who cherish films that connect on an individual and collective level.

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[photo courtesy of IRIS TUESDAY PRODUCTIONS]

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