Nell Teare Captivates in Triple-Threat Film Role

Read Time:3 Minute, 19 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Bolivar
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 17m
Director(s): Nell Teare
Writer(s): Nell Teare, James Walsh
Cast: Nell Teare, James Walsh, Tracie Thoms, Robert Pine, Chris Petrovsky
Where To Watch: arriving exclusively on digital, on-demand, and DVD on Tuesday, November 14, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: As the opening scene of BOLIVAR washes over the screen, you’re immediately pulled into a world where the personal story is palpable; you can feel the heart on the screen. Nell Teare is the architect of this foray into the human soul, not just through her role behind and in front of the camera but through a script that vibrates with the pulse of real-life heartache. While the story marches through its beats, the undercurrent of genuine emotion catches you off-guard in the best possible way.

Step into the life of Maggie Nell Teare,) a character whose past lingers like a shadow, clouding her present and casting doubt on her future. With a past as complex as any you'd find in classic literature, she's a stand-in for anyone ever facing the mountains and valleys of life. The arrival of her brother Sonny (James Walsh) and her father, played by Robert Pine, weave a subplot that is as compelling as it is transformative. The cast and crew's collective commitment to the project shone through, revealing that the magic of filmmaking isn't just in the final product but in the shared experience of creation.

Teare’s scriptwriting process, a three-week whirlwind of inspiration and dedication, offers more than dialogue; it's a heartrending insight into a creator's journey, turning personal grief into art. This film’s script is felt in every frame, a watermark of authenticity that elevates the entire film. Teare's personal history with loss is the film’s driving force, lending a poignancy that could only come from someone who's lived through the narrative they're sharing.

The film's only misstep, if one could call it that, lies in the untapped potential of its ensemble cast. The richness of their untold stories whispers from the sidelines, hinting at a depth that begs to be explored further. It’s not a detractor but an invitation to the imagination, suggesting yet-discovered layers. The personal and heartfelt battles we see on screen make you ponder what else lies beneath their stories, and ultimately, films that make you think like that are always some of my favorites.

In BOLIVAR, the audience actively participates in a narrative that weaves loss and hope into a story transcending the screen. This film doesn't just sit comfortably within the indie genre; it stands as a lighthouse, guiding the way to what cinema has the potential to be. So, settle in and let the story envelop you; BOLIVAR is an odyssey that will linger long after the credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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