I love so many things about this. The 16mm film stock, the somber tone, the use of close-ups, the amount of quiet the film surrounds itself with, and Sydney Flanigan’s everything — all of it is so good. Talia Ryder is also someone to look out for in the future because while she doesn’t have as much do, she conveys everything she needs to. Her character is also so strong but at the same time a child. The moment between her and Sydney at the end of the film is beautifully sad. The film is an interesting way to look at the theme of control. All Autumn wants is control over her life, her body, her everything. Whether that’s deciding she wants an abolition or if she wants to pierce her nose. The early moments of the film really show the frustration young girls in rural areas can face if they want to explore an abolition and it is all summed up by the quietly powerful moment where she beats her stomach wanting to self-induce herself. The question asking scene is amazing, so well acted, and engaging while also being so simple. Any little change or hesitation in her performance adds so much weight. The film is also shoots New York City in such a real way. It feels like it does to ride the subway these days. It also really showcases how messed up the modern world is in the most minimalist of ways. Since I have never been pregnant nor gotten an abortion, it is hard for me to really judge the experience of the characters in terms of how the details and feelings are portrayed.
