Mary Marie is a heartwarming indie drama that focuses on the relationship between two half-sisters who meet for the first time in their lives. Directed by Alexandra Roxo, the film was released in 2011 and stars Jon Boal, Michele Earnest, and Bryce Feeser in lead roles. The story revolves around Mary (Michele Earnest) and Marie (Bryce Feeser), who were both conceived via sperm donation by the same father but to different mothers. Mary is a free-spirited artist who lives in San Francisco while Marie is a straight-laced accountant living in Ohio. Their lives couldn't be more different, but when they discover their shared heritage, they are drawn to each other and decide to meet.
The film begins with Mary traveling to Ohio to meet Marie for the first time. The two half-sisters are initially awkward around each other, but as they spend more time together, they begin to open up and share their life experiences. The dynamic between Mary and Marie is fascinating to watch as they try to navigate their newfound relationship.
Mary is the more outgoing of the two sisters, and she quickly becomes the life of the party in Ohio. She introduces Marie to her San Francisco lifestyle, taking her to parties, getting tattoos together, and even taking her to a burlesque show. Marie is hesitant at first, but she eventually opens up to Mary's carefree attitude.
Meanwhile, Marie has a more stable life back in Ohio. She is married to a man named Mark (Jon Boal), who is also an accountant. Although she loves her husband, Marie feels unfulfilled in her career and yearns for something more. Mary encourages her to pursue her passion, and Marie begins to question whether her life in Ohio is truly what she wants.
As the two sisters spend more time together, they begin to uncover some startling secrets about their past. They discover that their father wasn't the kind, loving man they thought he was but instead had a dark side that they never knew about. This revelation further strengthens their bond and also causes them to reevaluate their own lives.
The performances in Mary Marie are exceptional, with both Michele Earnest and Bryce Feeser delivering nuanced and realistic performances. Jon Boal is also fantastic as Mark, bringing a sense of vulnerability to his character that makes him sympathetic despite his flaws.
The direction by Alexandra Roxo is subtle but effective. She allows the story to unfold organically and doesn't force any melodramatic moments. This approach helps the film feel more authentic and relatable.
Overall, Mary Marie is a beautiful film about family, identity, and connection. It offers a poignant exploration of what it means to be related, especially when it comes to half-siblings who are meeting for the first time. Although the movie is slow-paced at times, the character development and emotional payoff make it a worthwhile watch.
Mary Marie is a 2012 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.
