Ace and Anxious

Ace and Anxious, a maverick movie from 2017, dives deep into the realms of mental health and identity, successfully maintaining a delicate equilibrium between enlightening consciousness and humorous entertainment. Directed by Bri Castellini and assembled by an excellent team of performances starring Dana Shiree, Colin Hinckley, and Rachel Casparian, the movie represents an active foray into unconventional genres and scintillatingly vibrant narratives.

Ace and Anxious primarily revolves around Emma (played by an engaging Dana Shiree), a young woman grappling with severe anxiety disorder. Emma, navigating the maze of her life, stumbles upon the complexity of sexual identity as she discovers her asexuality. Her life is a canvas of frustrations, medication cycles, and relentless therapy sessions, and her profound struggle to understand herself while dealing with her mental health is heart-wrenching yet relatable.

Dana Shiree embodies the role of Emma with commendable finesse, skilfully portraying her character's struggles. The intricacies of anxiety disorder, from the spiraling bouts of panic to the crippling fear of everyday scenarios, are handled sensitively and accurately, giving the audience a raw, realistic glimpse into the life of someone struggling with mental health issues.

Emma's asexuality adds another layer to her character's complexity. Ace and Anxious make an appreciable effort to break down stereotypes and stigmas surrounding asexuality in contemporary society. The film sheds light on the misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding asexuality, providing a platform for open conversation about a rarely represented sexual orientation.

The movie casts Colin Hinckley as Dave, Emma’s well-meaning therapist. Hinckley portrays his character with substantial charm and wit, adding an extra zing to the plot. Dave, despite being caring and empathetic, also experiences his upheavals with Emma’s case. Seen as the voice of stability, his relationship with Emma evolves through the narrative, offering several surprising yet plausible twists.

Rachel Casparian portrays Emma's close friend, a vital supporting role that further intensifies the narrative. Further characters and their interactions with Emma provide the movie with much-needed relieve, humor, and light-heartedness while subtly educating viewers about more profound issues.

Ace and Anxious takes a fresh approach to romantic comedy by probing the intersections of mental health, friendship, and sexuality, showing how these dimensions influence one another in the life of a young woman. Emma's exploration of her sexual identity while dealing with anxiety strikes a delicate balance between romance, humor, and individual growth. The charming narrative of Ace and Anxious treads a minefield of sensitive topics with grace, crafting a story that is as meaningful as it is entertaining.

Throughout the movie, viewers are engaged in a roller coaster ride of emotions, filled with laughter, sadness, and enlightenment. The script is sharp and insightful, unravelling Emma’s emotional struggles with humor and wit. It's a movie that successfully uses comedy to broach serious, often taboo subjects, allowing the audience to explore these themes in a more accessible way.

Though it boasts a modest production, Ace and Anxious makes a big impression. Its commitment to representing rarely seen perspectives on-screen is evident in its tackling of both asexuality and sexual anxiety - both of which are rarely addressed in mainstream cinema. The film’s evocative theme, superb performances, and engaging storytelling make it a must-watch for anyone interested in broadening their cinematic horizons.

In summary, Ace and Anxious delivers a powerful portrayal of an anxiety-ridden journey towards self-discovery and understanding one's identity. With its carefully crafted narrative, exceptional performances from the lead actors and commendable direction, it invites audiences to look beyond societal stereotypes and engage in open conversations about mental health and sexual identity. Please note that it's not a film that takes these topics lightly, but one that offers ample food for thought, successfully touching the hearts of its viewers whilst challenging their perspectives.