Is Just Be Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Just Be, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Horror, Thriller landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Michele's driven by her divorce to find a better life for her and her daughter, whatever that may look like. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror, Thriller 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: "Michele's driven by her divorce to find a better life for her and her daughter, whatever that may look like. The more rejection she comes in contact with the more it drives her to keep going. Michele's aims to find success and the real love of her life but keeps competing for time and criticism with her family, lovers, school moms, and co workers. She keeps running up against failures by trusting the wrong people, giving them empathy, and being at times too trusting. Michele is a fireball of energy and emotions and when taken advantage of too many times can be reactive, but always apologetically responsible for her behavior and duty to be a good mom and person. She uses these mishaps to drive her into not stopping for a better life for her and her daughter, whatever that may be."

🎭 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. Despite the inherent talent of Krystal Ellsworth, the performance in Just Be feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Sarah Koteles 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 3 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 Just Be 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 Horror, Thriller, 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 0/10 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, Just Be explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Sarah Koteles 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, Just Be 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 Krystal Ellsworth or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Just Be is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.