Typically when writer-directors create scripts for a vehicle to star themselves, the product is often full of self-indulgence. "Leanne is Gone" is actually a pleasant exception to this rule, and is in fact a compelling script and character study done in a concise short film format. Although you can tell the lead isn't necessarily a polished actor with a wide range, this role very much fit, and he came off as absolutely believable. There is just enough character build-up in the beginning for us to become vested and want to see the outcome of his "first day", which then leads us down some interesting turns and pulls us all the way in. The part of the "boyfriend" was also very well acted, although I think there could have been a lot more said as well, in that we don't know if the relationship between he and Leanne was platonic, sexual(although that is assumed), if she was his "muse" (he looks like an artist) or what. The reality is, this could very well be the first episode of a web series if the production wanted to go that way. The biggest issue I had was the music; it seemed highly inappropriate for the beginning of the film, as it gave it a very bouncy, up-beat feel, when the subject matter didn't seem to coincide. The same piece is repeated at the end...where it actually fits. All in all, this is a very well acted, scripted and edited piece which is definitely worth a watch.
3 Reviews
Really heartbreaking and powerful
Irishchatter13 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
So as this short goes, we meet a man named Dylan who has just gotten out of rehab and unfortunately his sister Leanne committed suicide after she discovered her new husband Sean was with another man. Then the two men got to finally meet after her death and since Dylan's family didn't want anything to do with him, he decides to stay with Sean. We get to see both their expressions of grief and anger as they are getting to know each other. Honestly seeing the photos of Leanne and the two men cry together is such a true tearjerker, it does bring so much pain to others involved in that persons life and feeling helpless. As the character Dylan quoted "forgiveness is a long journey". That is a fact like grief does take time but it'll take as long as it takes. There's never a time limit when we lose a loved one and its important to support one another to be able to cope around the sadness.
With the two men embracing each other, I bet it was a such relief to them that they have each other regardless of Sean cheating on Leanne. Although I was annoyed at the character that he didn't tell her the relationship as man and wife will not be able to work out. As well she should've talked to him instead of doing what she did to herself but I suppose it wasn't a huge help that her own brother Dylan was doing drugs. Its a really an unfortunate series of events with all 3 characters. I really hope Dylan and Sean stick together as well as supporting one another . This way they would be able to cope together with their loss of their very best friend.
Ill give this 8/10, the actors, acting and storyline is just splendid even it is really sad.
With the two men embracing each other, I bet it was a such relief to them that they have each other regardless of Sean cheating on Leanne. Although I was annoyed at the character that he didn't tell her the relationship as man and wife will not be able to work out. As well she should've talked to him instead of doing what she did to herself but I suppose it wasn't a huge help that her own brother Dylan was doing drugs. Its a really an unfortunate series of events with all 3 characters. I really hope Dylan and Sean stick together as well as supporting one another . This way they would be able to cope together with their loss of their very best friend.
Ill give this 8/10, the actors, acting and storyline is just splendid even it is really sad.
the pain, the hope...
Kirpianuscus24 October 2017
a touching story. well acted. about a delicate subject. levels and beautiful photography and wise use of gestures. and frustrations, shadows of past, tension. all as steps for a scene who deserves remain memorable. a simple and smart film about pain and about hope. about sufferance , its root and the new beginning. sure, not surprising its virtues. Jesse James Rice has a beautiful career and David Hemphill is the right partner. in same measure, Bryan Scott Cooper knows the force of rhythm of story and explores with fine precision the nuances of crisis. so, a splendid film.
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