Drama
Last Stop
Every film project carries within it a unique narrative, not just on screen, but in the arduous journey of its creation. “Last Stop,” emerged from the 48-hour film challenge bearing the indelible mark of Liz Wright’s vision and dedication.
In a recent conversation Liz Wright unraveled the intricate threads of her creative journey, offering a glimpse into the making of “Last Stop” and the myriad facets that punctuated its path to fruition.
“Last Stop” is a road trip movie based on two bickering sisters and one of their daughters that are on the way to see their dad in hospice care” said Wright. “And it’s kind of a sad, but it’s like think of like Little Miss Sunshine versus like Thelma and Louise kind of vibe. That’s kind of I would say the genre is really just like a family oriented movie on, you know, forgiveness, redemption. And ultimately it also focus a little bit around mental health.”
At its core, “Last Stop” epitomizes the boundless potential of collaborative endeavors, as Liz Wright ingeniously assembled her cast and crew from diverse corners of the filmmaking community. Harnessing the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Wright collected a team of talent, each individual contributing their unique skills to breathe life into this cinematic vision.
“I really didn’t tell anybody No. Anybody that said, “Yes, I’m interested”. I said, “Cool. What are you interested in doing? What are your talents? What are your strengths? What kind of equipment do you have?” And so I got a few different team members that had different camera options. We had awesome equipment. But you can’t really plan or cast a movie that you haven’t written yet. And so it was just finding people that were passionate and people that were committed. And whoever showed up got to be part of it.”
Amidst the camaraderie and creative fervor, challenges still were present in the filmmaking process. From navigating conflicting creative voices to weathering literal storms like a sudden hailstorm during filming, Wright confronted each obstacle with unwavering determination and resourcefulness.
“I had too many cooks in the kitchen, if that makes sense. I had people that had been directors and had been writers and so and I wanted to have that on my team split. I had that additional experience that I didn’t have because this is my first film.”
Beyond the trials it was the camaraderie and sheer joy of creation that defined the essence of the filmmaking process for Wright and her team. Amidst the regular chaos of film production, laughter rang out, forging bonds that transcended beyond this 48 hour experience.
“There was a scene that between me and the other girl who played my sister where I really wanted to capture her emotion because the line that we had to use as part of the 48 hour challenge was “we’re not friends and we never will be”. I really wanted to capture that emotion. So we had our DP, literally sitting on her lap with the camera in front of her face. We really were able to captured that emotion on her face up close. We were laughing the whole time in this super emotional scene, but that was probably one of my favorite memories.”
The culmination of this journey was the exhilarating premiere of “Last Stop,” an experience akin to witnessing the birth of a child. As the film flickered to life on the silver screen, Wright and her team basked in the glow of their collective achievement.
“Just being able to sit there and see it on the big screen was like the equivalent to me of giving birth to a baby, probably because I don’t have any kids of my own. The only thing I’ve done artistically where I’ve been able to see my work out in the world or my creation out in the world was when I published my first book. And it was that same type of feeling of ripping open the box and unveiling it and tears come to your eyes when you’re just like, “Wow, we did it.”
For Wright, the journey does not end with a single premiere. Buoyed by the success of “Last Stop,” she sets her sights on new horizons, embarking on the ambitious endeavor of expanding her short film into a feature-length production. Undeterred by the daunting challenges that lie ahead, Wright’s indomitable spirit and unwavering passion propel her forward, eager to embrace the next chapter of her cinematic odyssey.
Aspiring filmmakers, take heed: Liz Wright’s journey offers a poignant reminder that the path to cinematic greatness is paved not just with talent, but with grit, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in the power of storytelling. So pick up that camera, join a set, or embark on your own creative odyssey. For in the boundless expanse of filmmaking, the possibilities are as endless as the depths of your imagination.
Comedy
Troop 458
WARNING! This review contains SPOILERS!
Troop 458, written by Trevor Allen, captures the often daunting, yet transformative, experience of being the new kid in a world full of unknowns. We follow Sidney, an anxious boy thrown into his first Boy Scouts campout, where he faces both the perils of acceptance and the strangeness of his eccentric scout leader. As spooky campfire tales start to weave into reality, Sidney is forced to confront his fears head-on, finding moments of humor, adventure, and unexpected camaraderie along the way.
I like the concept of Troop 458 because it blends coming-of-age themes with a playful sense of adventure, all wrapped in an atmosphere tinged with just the right amount of mystery. Allen’s writing brings to life a cast of memorable characters, especially through Sidney’s journey of growth. The tension between humor and fear feels authentic to the Boy Scouts’ setting, and it captures the real challenges kids face when trying to fit in.
What resonated with me most was the screenplay’s exploration of courage—not just in facing mythical dangers but in embracing who you are, quirks and all. Some aspects could benefit from a clearer focus on character motivations and tighter pacing to keep the momentum strong, particularly during scenes that blur the line between myth and reality.
The dialogue is great in many places, offering humor that feels natural for a group of young scouts. There were moments where I felt the conversations could be a bit sharper or more distinct to heighten the comedic or emotional impact. Character development is a strong suit, with Sidney’s evolution being both relatable and satisfying, but secondary characters could have a bit more depth to elevate the ensemble.
Allen’s Troop 458 is polished, with solid grammar, spelling, and formatting that adhere to professional standards. The structure is clean and makes for an easy read, setting up scenes that are visually compelling.
Troop 458 delivers an enjoyable mix of humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, leaving me eager to see how it might come to life on screen.
Drama
Ellie
WARNING! This review contains SPOILERS!
Directed by Marcus Mejia
Ellie is a refreshing experience that pulled me right into the world of a young, shy man navigating a work meeting while secretly yearning for a bit of magic in his everyday life. We’re taken through his imaginative, musical daydream—a beautiful escape from reality that reveals his true desires. I loved how the film peeled back layers of his personality without a single word of dialogue. Instead, the music carried the narrative, and surprisingly, it worked so well.
Marcus Mejia did an excellent job blending dramedy elements to keep the film engaging. The moments of humor and more emotional beats make the film feel well-rounded. Mejia’s choice to swap dialogue for music was a bold move, and it paid off. I could feel the character’s internal struggles and hopes as the music brought out emotions words couldn’t.
The lighting felt intimate, almost like it was giving us a window into the protagonist’s soul, and the cinematography perfectly captured the whimsical tone of his daydreams. I noticed how smoothly the editing transitioned between reality and fantasy, which made the story’s pacing feel just right. The sound design was on point, with every beat of music syncing beautifully with the character’s emotional highs and lows.
I loved when the protagonist’s daydream overlapped with reality, creating this seamless blend that felt so relatable. I admired how it portrayed the quiet, unspoken dreams we all carry. It was a reminder of the power of our inner worlds and how much magic lies just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
Ellie left a gentle yet lasting impression. It’s a unique, heartfelt short film that shows how creative risks can pay off. Ellie is a memorable journey that’s definitely worth the watch.
Drama
Finding Acceptance
Directed by Andrew DeBennett
WARNING! This review contains spoilers.
Watching “Finding Acceptance” was an experience that brought me back to those anti-bullying films we’d see in school assemblies. The story follows Mary, a new student in a wheelchair, navigating the often-tough world of school friendships. Initially, she faces teasing from her peers but finds a genuine friend in Liz, who even manages to extend kindness to Mary’s bully, Max. The message is straightforward and clear: acceptance and empathy matter.
I could see what the director was aiming for—Andrew DeBennett notes that the film was both a joy to create and a personal project. The heart of the story shines through, with Kaylah Pollock (Mary) and Laney Hansen (Liz) bringing warmth to their roles. Their connection feels genuine, even if the overall story feels a bit too familiar.
Technically, the film could have used some fine-tuning. The sound mix was rough, with the music often drowning out dialogue. The editing also felt choppy, making it harder to stay immersed in the story. The dialogue leaned into clichés—phrases like “loser” felt outdated and took away from the realism. The cinematography, however, was a bright spot, creating a warm, inviting feel that suited the film’s positive message.
I felt like the story could’ve benefited from more depth. The bullying that Mary faces is minimal, making her eventual friendships feel somewhat predictable. For younger audiences, this simplicity might be engaging and easy to digest, but it misses the chance to delve into the more complex aspects of acceptance.
In the end, “Finding Acceptance” delivers a positive, albeit simple, message. While it didn’t connect with me on a deeper level, I can see it being a useful film for educational settings, especially for younger viewers learning about kindness and friendship.
