A Catholic girl finds herself having tempting thoughts after an AOL chat turns unexpectedly racy.
Cast: Natalia Dyer, Parker Wierling, Susan Blackwell, Timothy Simons, Wolfgang Novogratz, Alisha Boe, Donna Lynne Champlin, Francesca Reale
Release Date:
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated R for sexual content and some nudity
Runtime: 1h 18min
Review:
The biggest thing that Karen Maine's newest film has going for it is its tangible sense of authenticity that seeps through the story and performances. The film itself is a study in subtly with every directorial choice being measured and tempered. Coming of age films, especially those dealing with adolescent sexuality, tend to lean more towards hyperbole or caricature. Maine's film goes the opposite direction, opting to keep the entire proceedings honest and relatable. This approach makes the laughs and awkward situations land with much more punch. Natalia Dyer is perfectly cast in the lead role, she never overplays her scenes, delivering a performance that communicated through reactions more so than dialogue. The script is lean but it's savvy enough to critique hypocrisies and contradictions involved while coming to terms with the protagonist's burgeoning sexuality. The supporting actors each have small moments to shine but it's mostly Dyer's vehicle to drive and she's more than capable in the lead. Yes, God, Yes isn't breaking any new ground per say as traverses over some well-worn themes and topics, but it does so with a level of authenticity that makes you care about the personal journey the main character is going through.
A-
