SCRAPPER

Let's get this out of the way - wonderful cast! Lola is superb. Harris is great in everything he does, and Alin is the perfect sidekick. The cast is not where the film wavers. Regan has gone into her first feature enthusiastically and with a lot of ideas... without ever stepping back to question whether or not these ideas fit this particular project or not. The film is so simple and heartfelt, it never needed bells and whistles, yet Regan has shoehorned a few flights of whimsy (talking spiders, anyone?) that just miss the mark and unfortunately whip the audience out of the film.

These brief, few-and-far-between moments aside, 'Scrapper' is lovely. Minimalistic, it is what it is; two strangers trying to find a way to each other while overcoming fear, grief, pride, growing up too soon and never having grown up at all. There's little dialogue and no grand emotional breakthroughs to swells of manipulative music. This is a film where the simplest of actions speak volumes. The actors accomplish it all subtly, quietly and with gracious intention. Regan has also proven that she can direct children with inspired success - an unappreciated and oft-overlooked skill - I suppose it could have helped that she had blank canvases, but I'll give her more credit than that. It's definitely deserved.

Charlotte has created a beautiful and soulful story. She's exhibited her skills, however green yet earnest, and has entered the game as a director to watch.