Two Eyes (2020) Poster

(2020)

User Reviews

Review this title
24 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
7/10
Nice, important, tear-squeezing, but slightly didactic
khaktus8 September 2020
The movie has a potential to become a seasonal treasure of the queer cinema, but also left me with an awkward feeling. I am happy that the topic of two-spirit roles among the Native Americans arrived to the feature film screen. But in the broadness of what those roles represented and what meanings it carries for the present - I find it very paradoxical that it appears only as a mere "mention" - the character of Poopahte just "is" there for a moment and indirectly becomes a trigger for the self-reflection of the main character from the oldest timeline. His paintings are then just a "pretty souvenir" decorating the point(s) of the further timelines.

The cowboy story line is in the first-plane view the most attractive part, thanks to the unbearably handsome styling of Benjamin Rigby (Alien:Covenant) and Kiowa Gordon and references to the still popular gay fantasies induced (also) by Brokeback Mountain. With a pleasant/progressive interracial twist. But the story flows somewhat predictably, didactically, artificially nicely or artificially emotionally moving. The second timeline revolves around teenage dream of escaping the small-town reality and meeting amazing creatures on an amazing road-trip. Stolen-moment excitement. It is decorated by the presence of South African singer Nakhane (known from the exotic xhosa gay story Inxeba), who again very charmingly and naturally inhabits his role (quite much himself, I'd say). The third line - the cautious opening up of the suicidal trans-boy to his maternally-caring non-binary therapist - is the most contemporary and acute one, although also the most "by the textbook".

That's the sand grinding between the smiling teeth - the movie presents its meaningful messages and lecture very straightforwardly. Sometimes evoking feeling of watching an educative documentary on gender-related issues for high-school students. The dialogues could not be more simple, direct and purposeful. The script is missing some refinement, naturalness.

On the other hand I appreciate the well made visuals, the intense (though a little kitschy) atmosphere depiction in various spaces of its stories. The beautiful but also hopeless monotony of Montana or Wyoming prairies or social space. I see the film's added value in stepping beyond cheesy masculine gay romance, including the trans and intersex and two-spirit characters and topics. It's all there (positive) alas it's all just there (negative). All the timelines nicely meet, complement, explain themselves - it's a beautifully made "bouquet" - but with a strong aftertaste of being (cleverly) arranged. Good start.
6 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
A film about LOVE
hollygwalker27 October 2021
It can be tricky to weave multiple stories together but it feels like a good job was done in this film. Coming of age when you're finding out who you are is complicated no matter what, even more so when you live in a small town and don't even understand your own sexuality just yet. This film packs a lot into the landscape and it's a sweet and hard at times to witness portrayal of the complexities of the LGBT community. It feels like an important film and I hope it gets the credit it deserves. Though I didn't grow up in Barstow, every person who grows up in a small town can relate. We just can't wait to get out there into the big beautiful world and explore.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Atmospheric, beautifully rendered coming of age story
randy-19627 October 2021
Three storylines in three different eras, each a tale of sexual awakening, brought to a nice denouement at the end.

Writer-director Travis Fine hits all the right notes, presenting his characters with compassion and grace.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Beautifully Sad
gmiske28 October 2021
First of all the music and scenery is beautiful.

And there wasn't anything that I didn't like about the movie but it gave me sad feelings.

I was curious to know where this movie was going, It's about Love and the struggle some people have had to go through to live their lives in peace and be themselves.

Although I don't identify with the characters I could feel their emotions, very well acted.

History is brought to life in a beautiful setting, by the experiences of two men in 1819, the characters in 1979 and present. Well this film shows us there is nothing new under the Sun, it's a Very Special Film.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Beautiful and unexpected
leavesthatflare4 November 2021
This movie moved gradually, unfolding with precision and overlaying the three stories with care. For quite some time, the stories felt disconnected. The pace was also rather slow but the environments and characters carried me along.

From the offset, the three stories fascinated me. The interconnections, initially unknown, reveal themselves slowly and with meaning. And each period has a different energy, which was intriguing.

The earliest, following an artist in search of his muse, is the most contemplative. Dihlon's observations of the landscape imbues the story with a stillness and yearning truly vivid.

The story set in the 1970s has an eagerness that spills out, likely due to the performance of Aleson and her fervor for life. This youthful need to figure oneself out makes this part especially accessible.

In 2020, the story arrives with a sense of mourning. Loss and grief crystalize within every movement of Jalin's emotional shift. When at last the stories weave together, I was left in tears, feeling the weight of these different people from different eras, all wishing for acceptance, a place where they can feel loved.

As a cisgender queer woman I was moved by this story overall. Feeling displaced from one's own life, balancing romantic love with societal expectation, and finding hope in a path one crafts for oneself are all visceral and tangible ruminations.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Truly a Film we can all identify with
mitchellbattersby19 September 2022
Cinematography is amazing, story lines blend together seamlessly and inspiratiin had to come from a place deep within.

As a community advocate for my community it is wonderful to see such a beautiful and touching movie. I brought my "Grandmother" and I watched and experienced her connection on such a personal level. But much to my shock and joy she stood in public and actually acknowledge her own transition and her connection to this film.

Moments like this are the magic I live for in my advocacy for our community. Travis you made something magically come alive this evening.

Thank you

Mitch at Palm Spring Pride.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
An exceptional, moving film about identity
garytup21 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
An exceptional triptych that capture decisive moments in various queer and trans lives. Dihlon (Benjamin Rigby) is a married British artist living in 1868 Montana who seeks a muse and finds one in Jacy (Kiowa Gordon), a Crow who shows him new ways to think about gender. In 1979 Barstow, CA, Gabryal (Uly Schlesinger) befriends Alasen (Jessica Allain), an exchange student who takes him to Los Angeles to meet Thandi (Nakhane, the out queer musician, who performs many of the film's songs). What transpires is a life changing experience. The third story, set in 2020, has the trans Jalin (Ryan Cassata) meeting Andrea (Kate Bornstein) a trans therapist who teaches him about how to grapple with love and loss. Writer/director Travis Fine ("Any Day Now") makes all three stories moving and coaxes strong performances from his diverse ensemble cast. This is a remarkable, gorgeous film that addresses issues of pride, shame, and identity with sensitivity and compassion.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Relevant storytelling in any era.
lorinwdavis30 October 2021
This film beautifully communicates humanity and truth in these three interwoven stories that take us through love, heartbreak, discovery and hope. I appreciate how the stories are ultimately tied to one another and that there is a surprise or two along the way. Also, the scenery and photography is gorgeous.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Just simply WOW!!
morepiercingsgd10 September 2022
Just saw this film at FilmOut San Diego and I'm still processing what I saw. The interweaving of the stories was so beautifully filmed that I felt transported into the entire story. I couldn't help but have a cellular reaction to this film and cannot recommend it enough to those who have always felt different from what society tells us is "wrong". Hearing the Q and A with the writer and producer made me appreciate, even more, how the creative process was achieved for this queertastic art!! The small moments between the characters which conveyed an entire paragraph with just the face, no words, were wonderfully edited that it triggered those happy memories from my own life. You will definitely be pleasantly surprised by this glorious piece; I can't wait to see it again!!!!!!!!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Beautiful and Insightful
katefarmerport775 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I really appreciated seeing these stories through the character's experiences. It feels fresh and needed.

The cinematography was incredible. And beautiful scenery that backed up but did not distract from the unfolding storyline.

To be honest I felt very relaxed. The film had a calm tone despite the serious content. In my opinion that really worked in a way I don't think I've seen before. Showing the hope of freedom, not just the oppression of discrimination.

The storyline unfolded perfectly and held my curiosity for how this would all come together. And I really appreciated the meaning behind "Two Eyes." I agree with this perspective on sexuality but don't hear many people talk about it.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Incredible!
michaelascanlon27 November 2021
This movie was an outstanding portrayal of three storylines that weave together perfectly by the end. It's a queer masterpiece! It is a great piece with incredible cinematography. We were very impressed and want a sequel!!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Could not stop crying
dale-2962 December 2021
Beautifully shot. The 3 stories pulled me in and when i got the connection, I was blown away. The end brought me to UGLY tears. Each performance was brilliant. This film I need to share with as many LGBTQ youth as possible.

BRAVO!!!!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Heartwarming LGBTQ+ Story
alto-road25 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The wonderful layers presented in this film is that it deftly handles the concept of sexuality being on a spectrum. There is an honesty and nuance in the storytelling as it ambitiously crosses three different time periods. And, Fine finds a way to ties together all three stories without being overly sentimental.

The soundtrack of the film is outstanding and creates a sonic landscapes that helps to move the story forward.

Performances are solid through out. Jessica Allain standouts in her performance as Alasen, as well as Nakhane as Thandi.

Although (spoiler) a little disappointed that two Black characters suffered traumatic deaths. It felt a little to cliche and convenient for those characters to die in order for one of the main characters to live in his truth. There could have been other options in order to bring home that moment.

Other than that, the film moves at a brisk pace and all technical aspects are on point. Highly recommend.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Human connection - expertly told
ladywindermere-4564411 November 2021
Through three interconnected story lines we are invited into journeys of love, loss, freedom, discovery and acceptance, all the while treated to some incredible music. Two Eyes is a beautifully scenic movie, but more importantly it is one that teaches us. It teaches us (or hopefully just reminds us) that humans are humans and love is love...We should never forget how important the human connection is.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Incredible powerful film
djeantjoelker27 February 2022
Thoughtfully, deliberately crafted film with an emotional heart beating through each of the three stories. I've not seen a more meaningful movie in years. Passionate earnest performances from an ensemble cast. Moving must-see cinema.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Love this film!
gtramirez-7974918 June 2022
I love that this is a trans-affirming film -- so positive and real The stories are compelling with realistic consequences, and I was tearing up for the last 15 minutes of the film.

I love the example of the scripture of gender fluidity within a cultural context. I have never seen it expressed so naturally in film.

The weaving of the three time periods is done in a clever way and didn't feel contrived. Although the main characters are queer, I believe the film also calls out the importance of the ally community.

Very good acting and I love the use of the close-up cinematography.

This is not just a film for LGBTQ audiences; it is a film that everyone should see. This ranks up there with Brokeback Mountain for me!

Thank you for making this amazing film!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Loved it!
dorothyblake30 October 2021
How can a film reach up through my phone, touch my heart and make me both smile and weep? Any film that instills emotion on that level gets 10 stars from me. (And, I'll watch again on a big screen.)

There are many themes: love, loss, perceptions, becoming, truth, acceptance, liberation. Love the title 'Two Eyes' and the line 'look into the mirror and tell me what you see.' The music-sensitive and memorable-intensified each scene without dominating and provided subtle transitions between. I will search for it to listen again!

The love scenes challenged my own sensibilities and provided several moments to reflect on how my own beliefs have changed over time.

The casting was like a complicated jigsaw beautifully pieced together. The direction was superb, as was the writing, filming and editing of three stories that appeared unrelated throughout the film and then folded together in surprising and unpredictable ways. Congratulations, Director Travis Fine and everyone involved in this movie.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Thoughtful and heart opening
alexisawake1 November 2021
I give this movie the best score it can receive because for me, it hit a home run on multiple levels. On one level, I love personal stories and believe that all things in life are connected. We are all one. This film tells the interconnected stories of many people seemingly separated by great stretches of time. The stories are heartfelt and thoughtful. They explore the complex and beautiful nature of gender, love and identity. The concept of "two eyes" really spoke to my heart! It was as if spirit was being draw through these characters and right onto my screen.

I have a 3 month old son, and every chance I got, I was in front of my screen watching this film with intrigue and joy. There are a lot of wonderful nuances throughout the film too, and I truly enjoyed catching these as they took place on the timeline. These remind me that the social struggles we are going through currently are nothing new. When will we open our eyes and approach life from the place of heart wisdom to live in harmony?

This film is shot beautifully. If a vibrant sunset captures you in the moment, or the sounds of a flowing stream and wind in an open field make you feel a bit emotional, then you will enjoy viewing this movie. The scenes are gorgeous.

Many thumbs up! Thank you for such a gorgeous contribution to the growing library of LGBTQ+ movies!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
a great film
jane-8068612 November 2021
Two Eyes is a film that deeply impressed me with its musicality, stunning visuals and emotionally grounded performances.

Like Fine's other beautifully crafted film, Any Day Now (2012), Two Eyes takes it's time to compassionately celebrate the real and complex humanity of each character. This is a film made with love and about love. It may me smile, it made me cry and it made me think. That's what a great film should do.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Cinematically Stunning and Emotionally Fulfilling
paizisjohn22 November 2021
Honest performances bringing to life multidimensional characters in a satisfying storyline. Travis Fine's keen eye permits him to view humanity from a unique and enlightening perspective.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Entertaining, layered masterpiece
socceracs4 October 2022
This movie provides layers of storylines while representing both the LGBTQIA+ and Native American culture. Highlighting the struggles and journeys of these communities, the movie encourages viewers to draw connections between the plot and that of their own personal experiences - allowing a platform for a therapeutic space to continue personal deep thought and development. This movie is incredibly well produced and the soundtrack is phenomenal. I strongly recommend to anyone, especially those who are continuing their own journey of discovering themselves and understanding the complexities of being yourself.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Beautifully represented
haloperidol-1421022 December 2021
Shsjisjsjdjsjshdusjssssjdjshsjsshsshshsushshshshhdhddhdhdhdhdhdhdhdhdhddhdhdhdhdhdhdhdhddhdhdhdhdhdududjddhdh ddjdjsjsjdhdjdjdjdhdhddhdjdhdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjddjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjddhdjdjdhdhdhdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjxjxjxjxjxjxjxjdxj.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Two Eyes Shows the Richness of Independent Films
gazferg29 November 2021
Independent film making shows a side of a culture that is rich and insightful. It might not have the production resources that are poured into film making by the Hollywood studios but independent film makers have an important role to play in an alternative narrative. Two Eyes which comes out of the USA provides such a narrative. The 3 stories across 3 different time periods explore diversity, different values and the spectrum of what it means to be an LGBTIQ person. The spectacular and stunning cinematogrophy enhances the stories. The cast bring a sublimeness to their roles which are believable and at times heartbreaking. This is a film which is paced and pensive. One settles into it like a pair of comfortable slippers. My only criticism of Two Eyes is that the music is heavy-handed in parts which detracts from some of the potency of the scenes. However, this aside Two Eyes is a powerful narrative and valuable contribution to independent film making.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
A tale of love and tragedy
epfmbong10 September 2022
I just watched this film at the FilmOut festival and was blown away. It was a interesting tale of three time periods that wove together through love, friendship, longing, family, and tragedy. Complete with a diverse cast of actors, this is a must see! The stories are in parallel and the director did a beautiful job of capturing the meat of the moment. They edited and blended the time periods in such a way that by the end of the film you are left with an ahhh ha moment. I found myself rooting for the characters and for a brief time they became my family and friends. I was swept into the various time periods with ease and always brought to the next period with equal grace. My heart busted multiple times as I witnessed the lives of the characters on display. I gave it ten stars and stand by it. I question anyone who gave a score less than 8 and you should too. If you are wanting a film that will having you laughing in one moment, holding your breath at another, and then crying this is your film. I highly recommend and would happily see it again.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed