Rid of Me (2011)

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Good concept, poorly executed.

A Brilliant Conflict

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

I can honestly say that this is my favorite now because I relate to it so much.I think that anyone that suffers from social anxiety/awkwardness, lack of social awareness, depression, has gone through a recent personal growth, rebellious phase, or relationship troubles should probably watch this film. I also honestly think that females will relate to this more... and to be frank, females that have experience being an outcast.I personally think this film helps the viewer to relate to a character that suffers from being out of place and naive through a difficult journey of starting over and finding an inner strength and independence.I related to this film so much and anyone that doesn't... well to be frank... is probably a preppy spoiled brat that had a life that just came easy to them, or is just a heartless bastard, or defensive about an insecurity their in denial about.I know that was an emphatic statement about the film, but it was a very touching film, and I think the "darkness" in it kind of reflects the fury of outcasts in a very relate able way. I think it also may teach women to not mother their men so much either.So many themes in the movie and messages that are so powerful. I love this movie! Anybody that doesn't take anything from this movie is very narrow minded and shallow.

The opening scene, as is mentioned in many reviews, is not the "hook" they intended, and you might click your Roku back to Menu, but give it a chance and this film will break your heart. It's so real and true, I've met all these people, I've even been some of them. The directing is subtle and jumps around like a mosaic, but I got it. And the awkwardness is well done. This is a terrible comparison, but think of the silent, awkward moments in The Office. Instead of being funny, these situations are so cruel but so real and familiar that you believe them. We've all encountered these things at some point, but here, no one steps in for the downtrodden protagonist. She's left out in the cold over and over again. It's one of those films you stay with until the end of the credits.

A grungy tale of post-divorce rebirth in which the cure looks about as unpleasant as the illness, James Westby's Rid of Me offers an acting showcase for "desperate" co-producer Katie O'Grady but sets her character in a thinly painted world with straw-man antagonists. Commercial potential is dim for its single-screen NYC booking. The pic's meant as a black comedy, but you'd have to read the press notes to know that. Most viewers will read it as a morose character study whose aspirations are closer to psychological horror than comedy, even if gestures in that direction -- portentous closeups, ominous musical cues -- aren't matched by other production values, like its flatly undramatic lighting and set design. O'Grady plays Meris, a devoted wife whose husband Mitch must return to his old hometown when a business venture fails. There he reconnects with a tight-knit circle of fratboyish bros and their Stepford wives, none of whom show any empathy for Maris's shyness -- and why would they, with Westby's scenario such a cartoon illustration of social anxiety disorder, littered with unbelievable gaffes? Maris travels through a goth-y heart of darkness after her divorce, acting out in some revolting ways best not described here. Though set in the Pacific Northwest and sporting a musician in the cast (Everclear's Art Alexakis shouldn't quit his day job), Rid of Me's take on riot-grrrl punk isn't nearly potent enough to justify the title's appropriation of PJ Harvey's landmark record: Neither its depiction of the world of squares nor its embrace of rule-flouting self-affirmation rings true, so the inevitable happy ending offers little joy.

The characterization is VERY entertaining. Dawn is hilarious! My favorite line, 'I don't like people who are alternative,". Meris makes you pitiful...its such an amazing range, no other film has ever had such amazing characters. Katie O'Grady did a beautiful job, she's a natural actress. James Westby, a popular local filmmaker, took an extra step ahead to create this film. No other film competes on this level. Its very unique and portrays a different style of filmmaking. It makes me feel the way Meris is feeling, awkward, sad...angry. Thats how great it is, watching it is like a roller-coaster of emotions.IT WAS A LEGIT RIDE! Taking my friends when it comes out... Is it coming out..? thanks for having me to the screening.