Oftentimes too meditative and languid for its own good, but that’s fine because the central dynamic between father and daughter is so strong. The common struggles of parenthood, adaptation, and growing up are magnified in intriguing fashion through the premise, and more than anything, Granik demonstrates respect and empathy for all her characters’ situations. The film does not turn a critical lens on any singular perspective, understanding that we all have our reasons for living the ways we do and that we are perfectly capable of figuring it out as we go. No judgment on others’ living situations and methods of survival, as it should be. Ben Foster is great. Thomasin McKenzie is sensational, joining Elsie Fisher this year as hopefully the Next Big Thing.
GRADE: B
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