The Sky Is Everywhere (2022) User Reviews

Enjoyable

[exceladeogun · 7/10 · 24 March 2022]

The sky is everywhere

The cinematography is aesthetically pleasing and well-done, from the camera twirls and zooms to the redwood trees that envelop most of the locations. Bereavement, coming to terms with loss and teenage angst as its central themes keep it emotionally charged, and are well portrayed by the protagonist (Grace Kaufman). Even though the plot may feel muddled sometimes, and the progression may seem stunted, it is a very enjoyable movie with important lessons to be learnt.

Good and Lively

[Joshumms · 7/10 · 11 February 2022]

The style and presentation of this movie keeps it alive all the way through, even when the plot and characters are a little derivative it's still unique enough in its presentation to be enjoyable and worthwhile. Apple TV + just releasing bangers every month.

The Sky is Everywhere

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 5/10 · 11 February 2022]

5/10 - very reminiscent of I'm Thinking of Ending Things in its "stuck-up aesthetic" (but in teen form) and it just doesn't have a strong enough story to make a lasting impression.

Bereavement as an artform...

[DukeEman · 8/10 · 11 February 2022]

At present the subject of grieving seems to be presenting itself in various forms. From Gervais' darkly, After Life; the realism version in Somebody Somewhere (HBO); the somewhat comedy side in, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window; and it even touches on the drinking problems for, Single Drunk Female (Disney+). All different forms of grieving that propels the character into some cathartic experience that either entertains, or emotionally drains us.

Screenwriter and author, Jandy Nelson, takes the five stages of grieving and kind of jumbles them up to present a teens world gone topsy-turvy. Through Lennie's deep depths of grieving there are sometimes dark surreal moments. But when music comes into play, (trust me, music is the best medicine when grieving), the dreamy surreal moments are so beautiful that it transports Lennie into a balanced world. These contrasts are utilized so well and used on many occasions throughout the film to show Lennie's state without having to say much.

A film aimed at the teenage market cannot leave out, teen-angst, by falling into a melodrama of some kind. Sky Is Everywhere deals with it sensibly, adding the state of emotional confusion and other teenage dilemmas into the grieving process. Not to forget the adults, Lennie's grandmother and uncle, who seem to be the cliche loving hippy family unit, who at least entertain us, and sometime enlighten us as elders should do in movies.

Through minor stumbles and faults, it still manages to successfully draw us into Lennie's screwed-up grieving world, this is mostly due to Grace Kaufman's heartfelt performance. To help us along the way is Josephine Decker's creative direction (love to see her go wild and surreal in her next project), assisted by Ava Berkofsky's bright colored photography. And on top of that is the cherry on the cream, the music by Caroline Shaw.

As someone who is over fifty, I thought this film would not be my cup of tea. But the surreal magical moments had me in Lennie's palm and I was ready to grieve in her journey, even if I did struggle mid-way through when I kind of woke up from the hypnotic dream that it had cast over me.

Oddly true to life

[sherrynadair · 9/10 · 13 February 2022]

If you've lost that sister or brother or whomever understood you with no language this movie gets it. That several of the characters struggle with their grief in different and sometimes conflicting ways brings interest and conflict. Well directed and well acted. 4 thumbs up.

Excellent work of art!

[sequoyahfaulk · 10/10 · 14 February 2022]

Both light and beautiful, and dark and profound at the same time. I found this to be a magical production. It also does an excellent job of showing off Humboldt County's natural beauty.

Wonderful!

[epowerbiggs · 10/10 · 11 March 2022]

The sky is everywhere: a fairy tale, an idyllic and timeless story in a colorful and imaginative world. Wonderful!!! I love this movie and the actors involved.

Feel Good movie

[harriedebeer · 8/10 · 24 June 2022]

By accident I watched this movie but I must say that I loved it Beautiful cinematic camera work. Okay its a teenage story and bit predictable but still I had a great 100 minutes. Certainly not a 5,6 but an 8.0.

Aesthetically pleasing, amazing pace and heartbreaking.

[youarenotgoliath · 10/10 · 11 February 2022]

I love how real the sisters feel and how messy decisions can be. The lead actor is super realistic as a person copping with loss and I can't help but feel for her, even when her decisions are a bit dodgy.

The playfulness of the artistic direction is adorable and that scene in the woods where they listen to music together and the flower people push them together is visually beautiful. There are a lot of cool practical effects that can be campy at times, but with the heaviness of the story feels necessary and can be lifting in the best way possible.

A whimsical movie that tells a teenage story of loss, discovery, and love

[rannynm · 8/10 · 18 February 2022]

The Sky is Everywhere is a whimsical movie that tells a teenage story of loss, discovery, and love. Throughout the film, the director, Josephine Decker, happily inserts her artistic expressions with the use of imaginary landscapes that are harmoniously fused with dramatic choreography and rhythmic music.

This movie follows the dramatic evolution of its lead character, Lennie Walker (Grace Kaufman). Lennie is a musical prodigy who is grief stricken from the sudden death of her best friend and sister Bailey (Havana Rose Liu). As the story twists and turns, Lennie finds herself in a whirlwind of emotion when she is unexpectedly attracted to two different boys, Toby (Pico Alexander), her late sister's fiancé, and Joe (Jacques Colimon), a fellow musician at her school.

This movie is an adaptation of the book "The Sky is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson. Jandy is also the writer of this movie. I did find some parts of the movie to be confusing, but this may be because I have not read the book yet. Grace Kaufman's (Lennie) performance radiated. She is my favorite character because her acting is raw and alive. There are scenes in the film that will tether you towards her and scenes that will drive you away from her. Overall, I really enjoyed Lennie's spiritual journey. Other notable performances are from Cherry Jones (Gram) and Jacques Colimon (Joe). Cherry Jones portrays Lennie's spirited grandmother perfectly. Jacques Colimon gives a blazing performance as he portrays a handsome musician and love interest of Lennie's. Many of the film's scenes are set underneath a lush canopy of redwood trees with magical skylines. The cinematography is outstanding with its bold filming techniques. The cameras twirl, zoom and flow perfectly with the characters' movements. And surprisingly, as a viewer, I did not get dizzy. Well done!

The messages of the movie are to not let grief take over your life and damage closest relationships, be considerate of others with similar experiences, and embrace music. There is some profanity. There is no shown sexual content, but it is mentioned several times. Drugs are used.

I give The Sky is Everywhere 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST!

Very nice and exciting

[chanmeifang · 10/10 · 29 April 2023]

This movie follows the dramatic evolution of its lead character, Lennie Walker (Grace Kaufman). Lennie is a musical prodigy who is grief stricken from the sudden death of her best friend and sister Bailey (Havana Rose Liu). As the story twists and turns, Lennie finds herself in a whirlwind of emotion when she is unexpectedly attracted to two different boys, Toby (Pico Alexander), her late sister's fiancé, and Joe (Jacques Colimon), a fellow musician at her school.

This movie is an adaptation of the book "The Sky is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson. Jandy is also the writer of this movie. I did find some parts of the movie to be confusing, but this may be because I have not read the book yet. Grace Kaufman's (Lennie) performance radiated. She is my favorite character because her acting is raw and alive. There are scenes in the film that will tether you towards her and scenes that will drive you away from her. Overall, I really enjoyed Lennie's spiritual journey. Other notable performances are from Cherry Jones (Gram) and Jacques Colimon (Joe). Cherry Jones portrays Lennie's spirited grandmother perfectly. Jacques Colimon gives a blazing performance as he portrays a handsome musician and love interest of Lennie's. Many of the film's scenes are set underneath a lush canopy of redwood trees with magical skylines. The cinematography is outstanding with its bold filming techniques. The cameras twirl, zoom and flow perfectly with the characters' movements. And surprisingly, as a viewer, I did not get dizzy. Well done!

The Sky Is Everywhere, it begins at your feet

[mroak_ · 11 February 2022]

7/10 A unique production that reflects Jandy Nelson's world and magical realism. Nature itself is one of the main protagonists (especially the Redwoods). The playful camera work was great - same goes for the editing and acting. The overcrowded color palette may be too much for some but for others an eye-feast. It was a smart choice to add comic relief throughout the movie as well as weird fairytale-like animal sounds.

The only thing missing was the title quote from Nelson's book! Why was that?

A clear-cut 8/10 for me

[r96sk · 8/10 · 20 February 2022]

I really enjoyed 'The Sky Is Everywhere'.

I can't comment on how it compares to the book, but solely on film terms I think it's very good. Grace Kaufman gives a pleasing performance, showing a fair few emotions in the role. The rest of 'em are solid too, whether that be Jacques Colimon or Cherry Jones. Visually it also looks real neat.

I'm not saying it's perfect of course, spontaneous moments of everyone dancing is still yet to work on me, though it is a pleasant watch all in all - with added meaning. Judge for yourself, but I personally think it is more than up to the mark. A clear-cut 8/10 for me.

Loss and new beginnings

[donrinsang · 8/10 · 24 May 2022]

This very colourful story manages to break some cliches about bereavement and ominous settings in forests or woods. There is everything: phone texting appearing in italic over images, singing, dancing and references to comics. And most of all, what can stop any kind of creative art, in the story's case, writing and playing music. Grief and loss can affect people taking them to very dark places where their talent, whatever it might be, will disappear, swallowed by a sense to be broken inside.

Two sisters who possibly grew up too close to each other are separated when one of them suddenly dies. The survivor cannot find peace and struggles with deep senses of loss. But the family is unconventional leaning strongly towards the hippie days so the audience is often amused even in the tragedy of the story with the funny, quirky attitude of the family members.

Most important of all, the journey of the surviving sister shows that new beginnings might occur regardless of where people happen to be. And what on the surface might seem a romance or significant other unblocking the drama, in reality is just the lost craft impersonated by somebody who happens to have an interest in the left behind sister.

Some cringing realities which apparently often happen after the death of somebody, like the widower boyfriend who is drawn by the sibling of his passed away girlfriend, are explored very successfully.

The original story of the book manages to analyse so clearly the dynamics of personal relationship in tragedy of loss injecting some sort of rebellion in the main character which feels very authentic.

There is no right or wrong in this film but a clear, powerful message: don't ever forget who you are.