Runoff (2015)

A great study into the depth of the soul of which a person will sell themselves for the need, the very depth of that dark corner inside, to protect their family. Ms.Joanne Kelly is outstanding as is the writing. The underlining story of the son rebelling against the norm of following in the family path was outstanding. The father's subtle disapproval was only matched by the mother's need to protect and understand. The final scene as Betty drove away, the look off set by the contents in the back of the truck, drove the final nail home at the determination, at all costs, to save the way of life at any cost.I drove almost four hours to the only theater in my state airing this work of art. And it was worth every mile.

Runoff is a filmmakers film. The pacing is deliberate, expertly building to the unexpected climax which leaves you thinking about it well into the ride home from the theater. You can tell right away that much care was taken to deliver a rich and authentic story. This is not the feel-good movie of the year and if you're looking for 90 minutes of fast-paced action, look elsewhere. But if you want to see a true indie film made by a true indie filmmaker then see Runoff today. I know nobody buys DVD's anymore but if this comes out on disc, I want to own it.Bravo!

What can I say about Runoff? As Paul Daniels would say (if he was in the least bit still relevant) "Not a lot". And, as the washed-up magician's hair disappeared as soon as he reached adulthood, the remnants from watching this movie will vanish from your mind as soon as it's over. Forgets thrills, spills and chills... This is more akin to a pedal boat ride in Bognor Regis. On a Sunday. With your grandparents. While listening to Radio 4.This farm is having financial troubles. A big warehouse firm is looking to buy the land. The family that live there are skint. And, they have other problems too... The father may have a terminal illness, the eldest son is a pothead, and the younger boy is a disobedient brat. Only the mother seems sane (Could it be... Because the writer/ director was a woman? Hmm) and even she gives into temptation by the end... Agreeing to dump some toxic waste in nearby water in exchange for much needed cash.And that's as exciting as it gets, folks. Believe it or not, NONE of these problems are solved by the end, and we'll left guessing if they get to hold onto their property, if the dad is sick or not, etc. I understand this is supposed to be a 'slice of life' kind of picture, but c'mon... You HAVE to make things a bit livelier than mom and son sharing a bong. Oh, I forgot... A disabled extraneous character, we've only seen for about five minutes beforehand, suffers chemical burns near the conclusion. WOW. Let's just say, I didn't feel a great sense of emotional investment.Everything, the acting, camera-work, pacing, is fine. It's just been applied to such a dull script, that it's all a bit of a wasted effort. Sort of like writing a school essay about 'What I Did This Weekend' in your best handwriting, with a quill feather. Not worth it. 5/10

"Runoff" is a film about a middle class farming family that has found themselves falling on hard times. Betty, the mother of this family, must decide whither to put her personal morals aside to help them out of their rut or watch as their small town life's begin to unravel even more around them.The story is something many people have found themselves experiencing more and more today with the economic hardships. But to see it from a rural stand point just proves how universal the films themes of survival are. You can be from an Urban or Suburban area and still understand what these characters are going through, and decide on if you agree with their actions in the end.The film also gives a great glimpse into the Farming community itself! Almost shot documentary style, we get an inside glimpse of the underbelly of how farms are run and the competitiveness that there is between the small town farmers and the big corporations. You really discover that there isn't really a difference between the American Cultures when you examine them under the microscope that this film brings to light, and that is due part by the fantastic script that Kimberly Levin presents and her directing style.A great script and story isn't all that this film has to offer though, it's cast is stellar. Especially Joanne Kelly, mostly known for her role in "Warehouse 13", who carries the film. For those who are fans of her work as Myka Bering they will be shocked to see her very stripped down and completely raw in what I want to say is probably one of her best performances! Even with there being so little dialog in some scenes just her presence conveys so much. It's not all seriousness either. The story is able to bring out a few good laughs along with really making us examine our own moral values in the end. It's certainly a small film that needs to be shown in a bigger light and totally worth checking out!