Who Am I Now?

Who Am I Now? is a remarkable 2021 film that perfectly fuses together the genres of drama and romance. This heart-touching film, directed by Louise E. Lathey, features the brilliant performances of actors Barbara Beall, Joanna Gaskell, and Alethea Sholomenko.

The film follows the path of New Friends Church, a tightly knit LGBTQ+ community that is a safe haven for people to express themselves freely. Parading themes of love, acceptance, and self-identity, Who Am I Now? navigates the struggles of societal understanding and acceptance of queer people in predominantly traditional society. It does not shine away from the poignant issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, while tenderly exploring the journey of self-discovery.

Emmy award nominee Barbara Beall portrays the role of Sarah, a girl who discovers her true identity and self-worth throughout the run of the film. Sarah's humble and isolated life takes a turn when she starts attending the New Friends Church and meets the eccentric group. Barbara Beall's performance captivates the audience with a certain charm that resonates with her character's arc, from her struggles with self-implication to euphoric phases of self-discovery and acceptance.

Joanna Gaskell, known for her roles in various indie films, plays Anna, the pastor's sister. Anna has her own interesting and complex personality which is brought to life by Joanna's outstanding performance. The chemistry between the characters of Sarah and Anna gradually evolves, painting a captivating narrative of love.

The dynamic Alethea Sholomenko, known for her roles in movies and TV series like "The 100" and "Nancy Drew," portrays the character of Robyn, Anna's ex-girlfriend. Alethea uplifts the movie with her impeccable acting, adding depth to her character's emotional complexities.

The film's plot progresses almost naturally, depicting real-life reactions and situations that add to the authenticity of the storyline. The dialogues, characters, and even the backdrop are chosen with such care that they seem exceptionally real, pulling the audience further into the story.

From a cinematography perspective, Who Am I Now? is beautifully shot, with a keen eye for detail. The aesthetic visuals captivate the audience, reflecting the raw emotions that the characters go through. The film uses a vivid palette of colors to emphasize the characters' emotional arcs and their complicated relationships.

The film effectively weaves together different facets of the LGBTQ+ community's struggle with societal acceptance and the characters' journey of self-discovery. The audience gets an in-depth understanding of their hardships and strength, crafting an empathetic connection between the viewer and the main characters.

In terms of soundtrack, the film accompanies the scenes with music that perfectly matches the mood, enhancing the experience of the storyline. Not too distracting or overwhelming, it seamlessly blends with the atmosphere, reflecting the emotions of the characters.

Above all, the uniqueness of Who Am I Now? lies in its approach to tell a story that is usually suppressed and shrouded in stigma. It does not show an overly dramatized or glamorized version of the LGBTQ+ community's experiences but instead depicts a raw, genuine account of their lives.

To sum up, Who Am I Now? is an impressive film that explores the nuances of identity, love, acceptance, and the heart's endurance. It is a must-watch for those who enjoy deeply moving narratives, romantic storylines, and thought-provoking cinematic experiences. The performances of Barbara Beall, Joanna Gaskell, and Alethea Sholomenko are sure to leave the audience engrossed, reflecting on the film long after the credits roll. They infuse life into their characters, making this profound exploration of self-identity and love an unforgettable cinematic experience.