The Tribes of Palos Verdes

"This was tragic and truthful, real as it was messy. It was a desperate urgency of pain needing to be felt in order to get to the other side. It is well-shot, communicating through a marriage of sound, color, and sense of place and atmosphere what it is to live and struggle beneath a more picture perfect façade of a quiet beachside town. Medina is a girl who loves to surf, whether it be to escape or enjoy life more fully, as she lives amidst the broken pieces of a family hurt and distraught, in a state of disrepair. Nothing comes easy or without sacrifice and it is precisely this devastating fact that motivates her to want to leave and find her own happiness separate from anyone or anything else. Her brother, Jim, and her are damaged beyond belief when upsetting news comes to their family and how they process it happens gradually over time. Each character devolves into their respective senses of madness, whether it be over something they can’t control or whatever plagues them more broadly internally. It, as a story, sparks to life and reminds that we grow through what we go through, whether it be more obviously or more subtly. "

"(2017) I found this scrolling thru movies and I’m so glad that I did. Jennifer Garner deserved an award for her portrayal of Sandy! She really got to showcase her range of talent with this character. I have never really been a fan of hers before watching this, but she certainly changed my mind. This is about a family that moves to a gorgeous beachside home in Palos Verdes. Sandy and her husband Phil are on the brink of a divorce and the twins, Medina and Jim, are caught in the middle of it. They are both affected, one more so than the other. This is a slow burn, character driven drama vs a plot driven storyline. Each of them are affected by things like; abandonment, adultery, mental illness, depression, substance abuse, and grief. Although the story feels heavy, the cinematography is beautiful and the acting is well done. There are several familiar faces in it as well. This one will surely make you cry and may hit some harder than others…especially if it feels too close to home. 10/10"

"Good"