I have not experienced Dorothy Allison's story telling in book form, so I came to this film with a blank canvas. First, I chose it because of the actors; I anticipated I would get quality performances. I was not disappointed, and that doesn't just apply to the leads. The ten rating goes to everyone listed as part of this film. I totally forgot it was a film, didn't notice camera shots, lighting, set decor, and other elements that normally jump out at me. I had simply watched these people in a short series of events in their lives as if I were in an out of body experience. Not one person, not even the extras' reaction shots, came off as not real to me. The production elements were so integrally blended in, I didn't notice them. Even when I praise camera shots, set design, or lighting, I'm partly thinking I shouldn't be noticing those things. I should be too involved in what the director has decided is important in the moment. That's what happened for me with this film. I hand it to the actors, every single one of them, and the production staff, and, without saying, both Dorothy Allison for her original source, and Anne Meredith for extracting a slice of life with so much to say. To me, the film says a lot, by showing rather than telling. The benchmark of good writing, and great films. I''m very happy to have been engrossed by this gem.
Review of Cavedweller
