The independent movie Movement and Location is a powerful exploration of identity, loss, and connection in the context of displacement and migration. Directed by Alexis Boling and starring Bodine Boling, Catherine Missal, and Brendan Griffin, the film follows Kim (Bodine Boling), a woman who struggles to find her place in the world after moving from Australia to New York City to be with her husband. As she faces the challenges of adapting to a new culture, climate, and lifestyle, Kim discovers a surprising ability to teleport to different locations, which unlocks new possibilities for her exploration of the city and her own identity.
The movie opens with a mesmerizing sequence in which Kim appears in various sites across the city, such as Times Square, a rooftop, a park, and a subway station. At first, she seems disoriented and scared by the experience, not knowing how she got there or how to control it. However, as she repeats the pattern and learns to focus her mind and emotions, she starts to use her teleportation as a way to escape her troubles and seek adventure. This aspect of the film adds a magical-realism element that enriches the overall mood and themes of the story, as well as showcases the stunning visuals and cinematography of New York City.
Despite the thrilling nature of Kim's ability, most of the film dwells on her emotional struggles and relationships with other characters. Kim feels isolated from her husband, who works long hours and seems uninterested in her hobbies or opinions. She also harbors guilt and grief over the death of her sister back in Australia, which haunts her dreams and fuels her sense of displacement. Through chance encounters with other people, Kim begins to forge new connections and perspectives on life, such as a friendship with a quirky street performer named Zeke (Griffin), who shares her love of music and philosophy, or a mentorship with a wise elder woman named Pauline (Janie Brookshire), who teaches her about art and resilience.
Another important character in the film is Drea (Missal), a young woman who helps Kim in a moment of vulnerability and forms a bond with her as they navigate the challenges of being women in a big city. Drea is a crucial figure in the film's exploration of gender and identity, as she reveals her own struggles with her sexuality and relationships. Through her interactions with Kim, Drea exemplifies the power of empathy and solidarity in overcoming societal barriers and labels. Moreover, her subplot highlights some of the subtle ways in which women are objectified, judged, and abused by men, which adds a timely and urgent social commentary to the film.
As the story progresses, Kim's teleportation ability and her encounters with other characters converge in some surprising and poignant ways. Without giving away any spoilers, it suffices to say that the film delivers a satisfying and emotional resolution to most of its plot threads, while leaving some room for interpretation and reflection. Movement and Location is a film that rewards patience, attention, and empathy, as it portrays complex human experiences in a nuanced and beautiful way. The film's soundtrack, composed by Nathan Halpern, also deserves praise for its haunting and evocative tones, which enhance the mood and atmosphere of the movie.
Overall, Movement and Location is a captivating and moving film that showcases the talent and vision of its director, actors, and crew. It offers a unique and inspiring perspective on human connection and resilience, amidst the challenges and opportunities of modern urban life. Whether you are a fan of magical-realism, indie dramas, or films that explore issues of identity and diversity, this movie is definitely worth watching.
Movement and Location is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 74.
