Never Rarely Sometimes Always Review
Understated and Uncompromising
Never Rarely Sometimes Always is that special kind of film that just demands more people sit down to see. Its look into the struggles of getting something like an abortion for an unwanted pregnancy is uncompromising and poignant. It is a conversation that deserves more attention and the way this film delicately handles such a topic is amazing.
This and many more film reviews to come here are meant to be small quick take pieces of freeform thought on movies (quick introduction, I’m Daniel Hess from To Tony Productions). So, with that I am not here to really provide huge sweeping plot details or anything of that nature but rather quick points followed by either a recommendation or lack thereof.
With that in mind I can not recommend sitting down with Never Rarely Sometimes Always enough. The acting throughout is great with standout performances from newcomers Sidney Flanigan and Talia Ryder, both who will more than likely have great careers to come. The cinematography is expertly handled by Hélène Louvart employing a very naturalistic/documentary look to the film which perfectly grounds the piece as a companion to the very raw story. Then of course enough great things can not be said about writer/director Eliza Hittman for which this is her third feature film.
It is a shame that 2020 was not the year for movies that it could have been because I feel a film like this one could have had a strong showing amongst the indie movie going crowd. Here in Baltimore, I could have seen myself watching it at The Charles Theater if that sort of thing would have been open. However, if nothing else I hope maybe it can catch a second wind in 2021 as more press and praise comes out for the movie.
If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, I can not recommend enough you sit down, find a copy and enjoy this amazing movie that tells a gut-wrenching story in a profound yet understated way. I can not to see more work from Eliza Hittman as the years churn on.
With that what did you think if you have seen the film? What did you think of my quick Never Rarely Sometimes Always review? Feel free to leave comments below.