Saint Frances; Quarantine to Some Pure Joy of a Film. Grade: B+

Saint Frances tells the story of a thirty-four year old woman named Bridget (Kelly O’Sullivan), whom doesn’t know what she doesn’t want to do with her life. For the time being, Bridget takes up a summer nanny job, where she’ll be taking care of a new born and a young child named Frances (Romona Edith Williams) who has a unique personality. Witness a very touching bond between Bridget and Frances, as well as this film takes on important messages as well.

The Cinematography t’was solid, it’s a lovely looking film. What actually caught my attention was that billboard shot, that looked like the Hersey’s Chocolate font... What an intriguing shot. The Score was fine, didn’t really impact the film, but it got the job done. The cast all in all was swell as a whole. Kelly O’Sullivan playing Bridget played a pretty good performance, I truly enjoyed her emotional moments as they were strong. I really enjoyed the character Bridget, t’was very raw and honest as it felt like watching a real person, taking on challenges in her life. Romona Edith Williams playing Frances was pretty good as well, too adorable on screen at times. For a child performance this is honestly an impressive performance, for a young child actor she barely struggles in any scene really. Sure maybe she could’ve spoken up as far as volume in her voice in a couple scenes, but I believe that’s just the characters personality. She’s a shy quiet young child, but when she’s comfortable she non stop talks... It’s like watching myself. I enjoyed the chemistry between Romona and Kelly. Charin Alvarez and Lily Mojekwu playing the parents of the kids were both pretty good as well. Their struggles and problems they had in their relationship and with their kids felt realistic, doesn’t rely on over the top Hollywood moments, it all felt genuine conflict adults themselves can relate to.

I do have my flaws with Saint Frances. There are some disinterest here and there. I also believe there are familiar tropes here and there, where I’ve seen this before. Saint Frances reminds me of Brad’s Status and last year’s indie Laura Steinel’s Family. Brad’s Status due to Bridget’s discouragement about her life compared to others, Family compared to Bridget and Frances bond.

During these quarantine days... Saint Frances is a film worth watching, as this is one of the sweetest films of the year so far. I enjoyed the important messages and themes this film has to offer, where it’s difficult to discuss but this film makes it possible. Abortion is a common difficult theme this film takes on, as it caters to two both sides of men and women’s effect on the subjects. I like how the film doesn’t have an agenda or makes other people feel ashamed on what side they’re on, the film gives reasons as to why both sides may feel indifferent about the situation. Bridget’s boyfriend even though they’ve just started dating, felt sadness but mainly mixed feelings of uncertainty about the situation. Whether short term or long term, of course sometimes a man who has a heart may feel indifferent about the situation. The idea of becoming father may not be the best idea if you’re not financially set or not in a long term relationship, but it is a beautiful idea indeed to have a little one of your own to love, hold, raise... I get why he feels a bit disappointed. For Bridget’s side we can see understand why she went through with it. Becoming a mother is not the best option for Bridget’s life at the moment, as she still is struggling to figure herself out. But also we can understand the pain and frustration she’s going through, physically and emotionally. It may sound selfish during the emotional side against her boyfriend, but when you look at the shame she could be getting from others, and the physical side... You understand why she may feel this way, as I honestly felt bad for her. Whether you agree or disagree, I think we can all understand now how either side can be effected, and just respect each other regardless. Neither side is wrong, how we handle it as adults by expressing our feelings and getting through it is what matters. The film does approach important moments on motherhood and even on how instead conflict, we should just get along and move on with our different views. It’s a lovely scene during the 4th July in the park and I was flattered by this scene. Some may say Bridget and Frances relationship could’ve been done better in the early going, however I felt the film did a pretty good job shying away from other films of this nature, of the broken down adult whom gets stuck babysitting a kid, but becomes a better person in the end. To Bridget this nanny job is approached how it would be approach in real life: A Job. She’s not there to find herself or have a connection with the child, she’s there to get away from her other crappy server job and make ends meet. That’s why I didn’t mind we were seeing more of Bridget’s life in the beginning, than her going through this cliche routine, it’s more realistic, which is why the connection felt natural and believable. Though Bridget didn’t exactly find herself in the end, I felt the film’s moral purpose is to find self-love within herself, like she mattered to the world. The insecurity of not having significance to your existence, as you feel completely lost is heart shattering. As I do believe Frances gave her what she needed: Significance. The comedy material was rock solid, a well written script that’ll pull some strings in your heart. This film will do many things for you: It’ll make you laugh, cry, learn the importance of self-love, dealing with different views and opinion, and most of all: Understanding women better too.

Overall, Saint Frances is a pretty damn good film. I highly recommend checking this out, it’s freaking cute. We would like to thank a couple companies for making this review possible. Film Movement for Partnering with Art House Theaters Across the Globe during this pandemic. Small Art House theaters will benefit some profit during this pandemic, by offering first run 2020 films mainly indies and restored classic films. I think it’s a wonderful gesture Film Movement has done for Art house theaters and especially movie goers. In Las Vegas it’s a struggle to get near some hardcore indie selections in theaters, once and awhile I get surprised, but more than often I miss out and have to wait months, so I indeed benefit off of this. I hope that Art House Theaters can not only keep the theatrical experience running after this is all over in the future, but would like to see the virtual cinema experience in the future as well for only hardcore heavy indie’s that need the support. Not only would we be helping the theaters, but also help the artists behind the films, achieve their dreams of having their art seen by many. We like to thank The Grand Illusion Theater in Seattle, Washington for having Saint Frances available to stream. The generosity of having original new releases is a life saver during these times, we’re so grateful and love supporting your lovely little theater during these difficult times. Help support The Grand Illusion Theater at GrandIllusionCinema.org !