Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of romance movies; or at least not 'straight' romance movies (meaning films that follow a set structure, not anything regarding sexuality). If I'm going to like a romance movie, it really needs to have a twist; and while this film does follow a set formula and it's always clear where it's going; the fact that the two leads are female, as well as the fact that their romance is forbidden due to their 'professional' relationship and not to mention the religious themes means that director Katherine Brooks' debut feature has just about enough to distance itself from the mainstream. The film takes place in a Catholic school and the story begins with the arrival of new student Annabelle. She makes it clear soon enough that she's not happy to merely fit in with the rest of the girls and soon she focuses her attention on sexy older woman and teacher Simone Bradley. Once it becomes clear that they have chemistry, the younger girl then proceeds to pursue the older until the inevitable dramatic conclusion.
I cant say that this film is perfect; a plot like this is always going to rely a lot on coincidence and the way that the characters are laid out is not particularly inventive and the role each of the main players is going to play is as obvious as where the plot is going from the outset. In spite of this, however, Loving Annabelle works as both a slice of light entertainment and a touching love story. The writer/director seems keen to try and make a point out of the story and largely does succeed in getting us behind the main characters to get what she wants to say across. That's not to say that the film is particularly life-affirming, however. The director has a history of directing stuff for MTV, so unsurprisingly this film is a rather glossy affair, although it is well acted and well directed with lead actresses Erin Kelly and Diane Gaidry making an impression. I'm probably not the only straight male who went into this film hoping for some steamy lesbian sex, and while we are made to wait for it and the 'pay off' is over rather quickly; the lesbian sex scene is skilfully shot and works well within the context of the movie. Loving Annabelle is an impressive debut overall and while it probably will not ever have mass market appeal; if you have a mind to seek it out, you probably won't leave disappointed.
I cant say that this film is perfect; a plot like this is always going to rely a lot on coincidence and the way that the characters are laid out is not particularly inventive and the role each of the main players is going to play is as obvious as where the plot is going from the outset. In spite of this, however, Loving Annabelle works as both a slice of light entertainment and a touching love story. The writer/director seems keen to try and make a point out of the story and largely does succeed in getting us behind the main characters to get what she wants to say across. That's not to say that the film is particularly life-affirming, however. The director has a history of directing stuff for MTV, so unsurprisingly this film is a rather glossy affair, although it is well acted and well directed with lead actresses Erin Kelly and Diane Gaidry making an impression. I'm probably not the only straight male who went into this film hoping for some steamy lesbian sex, and while we are made to wait for it and the 'pay off' is over rather quickly; the lesbian sex scene is skilfully shot and works well within the context of the movie. Loving Annabelle is an impressive debut overall and while it probably will not ever have mass market appeal; if you have a mind to seek it out, you probably won't leave disappointed.