Bold Narrative Shakes up Familiar Terrain

Read Time:3 Minute, 34 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Katie's Mom
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Tyrrell Shaffner
Writer(s): Meryl Branch-McTiernan, Tyrrell Shaffner
Cast: Dina Meyer, Aaron Dominguez, Julia Tolchin, Colin Bates, Jason Wiles, Shannon Dee
Where To Watch: premieres July 2, 2023, at Dances with Film; tickets available here www.danceswithfilms.com; learn more about the film here www.tyrrell323.wixsite.com

RAVING REVIEW: KATIE'S MOM has got it goin' on… opps. I couldn’t help myself; this film reimagines the familiar terrain of films like THE GRADUATE but steering it into uncharted territories with a compelling narrative twist. Imagine the unexpected pairing of Nancy Rosenfeld, a mature newly-divorced woman from Pasadena, California, played by Dina Meyer, and Alex Rojas, a charming young man portrayed by Aaron Dominguez. The twist? Alex is dating Nancy's daughter Katie (Julia Tolchin,) a development that kick-starts an intriguing rollercoaster of emotions.

Upon her divorce, Nancy plunges into a solitary life, with her children's busy routines disrupting her beloved 'Chrismanukah,' a cherished fusion of Christmas and Chanukah traditions. Yet, a silver lining peeks from the most unexpected sources – her daughter's boyfriend, Alex. His presence in her life stirs up a cocktail of drama and humor, presenting a narrative landscape that's both familiar and refreshingly new.

Tolchin adds another level of depth and intrigue to the film, taking this story we’ve seen before and throwing a twist that isn’t expected. One of the essential aspects of a movie that pays homage to others is to offer the audience something new while respecting the source of the inspiration. The comedic aspects blended into this narrative make the entire experience the whole package. I can’t wait to watch this one again!

The cinematic magic of KATIE'S MOM was woven together by the team of Meryl Branch McTiernan and Director Tyrrell Shaffner, two screenwriters with a shared admiration for TV shows portraying complex women. Inspired by an unusual real-life incident in Meryl's life, they embarked on their screenplay journey in 2015. While gathering funding from individual investors, the team met their goal and embarked on the journey to create and finish the film.

KATIE'S MOM's creation process was a labor of love, with a rigorous 18-day shoot and an extensive post-production period lasting a year. In 2023, their dedication bore fruit as KATIE'S MOM bagged the coveted NYC Women's Fund Grant from the MOME. This a significant accolade, considering the film was selected from an application pool of over 1,000 feature films.

The film's narrative boldly focuses on an often-overlooked demographic – women over forty. By casting Dina Meyer, a 53-year-old actress, as the lead, KATIE'S MOM unflinchingly addresses seldom discussed issues, such as societal pressure for plastic surgery and menopause's impact on women's lives. It's narrative with humor, yet it harbors life-altering lessons that hit close to home for many viewers. Balancing riveting drama with nuanced humor, the film is firmly rooted in reality. An ensemble cast vividly embodies this balanced narrative, demonstrating their acting prowess.

Director Tyrrell Shaffner encourages the audience to walk a mile in the shoes of a woman embroiled in a morally complex situation. Inspired by an actual incident, this narrative arc captures the eternal struggle between heart and mind, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricacies of human relationships.

KATIE'S MOM offers a refreshing take on romantic comedies, appealing to a broad audience. The film sparks thoughtful dialogues by spotlighting an older woman-younger man relationship, challenging societal conventions, and fostering a space where women's desires are acknowledged and respected.

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[photo courtesy of EX FILES PRODUCTIONS]