Julie's Smile (2013)

Сюжет кино: Erik Mattson's Julie's Smile goes where few first-time independent filmmakers fear to tread; It relies on film's capacity for visual storytelling to complete its narrative. Whereas most low budget independent dramas tend to be overridden with "cleverer than you" dialog delivered by community theater actors, Julie's Smile puts all its money on Mattson's keen directorial eye and lead actress Stacie Barra's ability to carry the weight of every scene. A task she accomplishes with equal parts charisma and beauty. Julie does not smirk, she smiles, and when she does it's wonderful. The only distraction from the film is the constant nagging question as to why Barra isn't a full-fledged Hollywood up and coming actress. She easily out does Juliette Lewis in The Other Sister with her portrayal of a mentally handicapped young woman.
And lastly, and this just a complete and total matter of personal taste, but the majority of Julie's Smile is shot in Chicago, and goddamn it if it doesn't FEEL like Chicago. Mattson captures the city well (The scene at The Exit feels like a southsiders version of Eyes Wide Shut). Julie's Smile is ambitious, and ultimately, overwhelmingly refreshing.