Is About Cherry Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2012 release of About Cherry stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into 18-year-old Angelina shuffles between school, a dead-end job, her exploitative boyfriend, and home, where her life consists of cleaning up after her alcoin holic mother and protecting her younger sister from their menacing stepfather. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "18-year-old Angelina shuffles between school, a dead-end job, her exploitative boyfriend, and home, where her life consists of cleaning up after her alcoin holic mother and protecting her younger sister from their menacing stepfather. After arranging an escape to San Francisco with her best friend Andrew, she soon finds herself dating a coke-addicted attorney and becoming immersed in the local porn industry, mentored by lesbian director Margaret, who has more than just a professional interest in Angelina's talents."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Ashley Hinshaw provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Stephen Elliott is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 102 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is About Cherry truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4.6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, About Cherry explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2012 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Stephen Elliott respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, About Cherry is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ashley Hinshaw or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, About Cherry is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.