REVIEWS
“A remarkable story with wonderful music.”
“A healing balm for adolescent and middle-agers alike.”
“Gentle, poignant drama whose heart and head are squarely in the right place. Engaging, naturalistic performances and nicely explored real-world issues add to this absorbing film's down-to-earth appeal..”
“...tender direction by Jill D'Agnenica”
“The earnest film’s straightforwardness and down-to-earth characters — especially the lead performance by Maggie Baird — have a gentle appeal...”
“First-time director Jill D’Agnenica lets the open-mic sessions play out at considerable length, and they effectively convey a sense of community among disparate characters who bring varying degrees of artistic yearning and talent to the small stage.”
“A gentle step-by-step journey of interpersonal bonding through the absorbing power of music; special credit must be given to cinematographer Guido Frenzel, whose skill with the camera helps to capture the poignancy in both the one-on-one conversations and singing scenes.”
“The film’s two leads, Maggie Baird and Finneas O’Connell, are real life mother and son and that truth infuses the film with a heartfelt intimacy and comfort that will make you laugh and cry along the way.”
“D’Agnenica has a tremendous visual eye and frame after frame of Life Inside Out draws you in and refuses to let you go. D’Agnenica is aided in this endeavor by the top notch lensing of Guido Frenzel, who clearly understands that this is a character-driven film and keeps his lens framed beautifully on the relationships between these characters.”
“Dialog and performance are woven together with such candor and insight that moments pass where it felt like eavesdropping through an open window.”
“There’s a true art to coming up with a story that is sweet but not saccharine, sentimental but not cheesy. And Life Inside Out, director Jill D’Agnenica’s narrative film on new beginnings and second acts, treads that line beautifully.”
“The film lingers affectionately over scenes of songwriting and the brave souls who swallow back the butterflies to go onstage well before they feel they’re really ready.”
“Life Inside Out refuses to follow the classic template for on-stage competitions and follows its own course to Laura’s ultimate win.”
“A magnificently moving motion picture, this musical dramedy inspires viewers to find meaning in life through creative expression while also treating them to some outstanding original songs.”
“A compelling tale.”
“Sincere and heartwarming.”
“Pitch perfect.”
“Smartly written, confidently directed and wears its unapologetic heart on its tear-stained sleeve.”
“Life Inside Out has so much heart. This story will resonate with you long after the credits have finished rolling.”
“A nuanced, decidedly real portrait of self-discovery and family life that is remarkable not just for its no BS performances (especially by Ms. Baird, and breakout star, Finneas O’Connell) but also for its refreshing lack of melodrama.”
“Baird and O’Connell are a joy to watch, as their acting styles complement each other like a perfect duet.”
