As part of the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, I was fortunate to screen the film “Somewhere Slow” written and directed by Jeremy O’Keefe at the San Jose Repertory Theater. First of all, I was impressed with the location, the atmosphere, and of course, the film! The San Jose Repertory Theater is a beautiful theater in Downtown San Jose. The theater has been viewing contemporary, classic, and new productions since 1980 as well as providing educational programs for the community.

Written and directed by Jeremy O’Keefe, “Somewhere Slow” stars Jessalyn Gilsig of “Glee,” Graham Patrick Martin of CBS’ “Two And Half Men,” David Costabile from “Suits,” and Robert Forster from “The Descendants.”

The film opens at a fast food restaurant in Los Angeles where Anna Thompson (Gilsig) orders and inhales three hamburgers, fries, and a soft drink and then proceeds to regurgitate the entire meal. This disturbing scene seems to reflect both her relationship with her husband, Robert (Costabile), and her own self esteem.

Her interactions with her husband on their first year anniversary seem to be lacking fulfillment, pleasure, and fun. Anna also shows an inability to speak up for herself when she is around her husband, her mother, and sister. Her behavior changes when she gets caught up in a convenience store robbery and murder. After witnessing the deadly crime, she makes the split decision to keep a bag of money left from the robbery and flee her unhappy life.

On her travels she meets a man named Travis (Martin) and the two strikes up a very intimate friendship over a night spent in Ana’s childhood cottage. Reality sets in when Travis vanishes but leaves a note for Anna stating that she needs to head back to her life in Los Angeles. Anna returns to her husband only for the police take her in for questioning.

I really enjoyed the film “Somewhere Slow.” It really touched on the human emotions of one finding one’s self and learning what truly makes you happy while exposing your vulnerabilities and insecurities.

– Herlinda Lozano, Alice@97.3

JOIN ALICE AT CINEQUEST FILM FESTIVAL 23
FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 10, 2013

Alice applauds Cinequest Film Festival 23. Cinequest unleashes its most breathtaking line-up yet. Featuring 86 U.S and world premieres, leading technological innovations and a spectacular meeting of artists. Find the complete film schedule and purchase tickets at www.cinequest.org.