Always Shine
On a trip to Big Sur, two friends, both actresses, try to reconnect with one another. Once alone, the women's suppressed jealousies and deep-seated resentments begin to rise, causing them to lose their grasp on not only the true nature of their relationship, but also their identities.
Insights
Plot Summary
Two best friends, actresses Anna and Beth, whose careers are on diverging paths, go on a retreat to Big Sur to reconnect. As they spend time together, suppressed resentments and insecurities begin to surface, leading to a tense and psychologically charged confrontation that blurs the lines between friendship, rivalry, and identity.
Critical Reception
Always Shine received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its strong performances, its exploration of female friendships and the pressures of Hollywood, and its unsettling psychological tension. Some critics found the film's ambiguity and pacing to be challenging, but overall, it was seen as a compelling and thought-provoking indie thriller.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intense and nuanced portrayal of female friendship and professional jealousy.
- Lauded for the compelling performances of its lead actresses, particularly Mackenzie Davis and Caitlin FitzGerald.
- Noted for its unsettling atmosphere and exploration of identity and ambition within the film industry.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's raw depiction of a complicated female friendship and the psychological depth of its characters. Many found the performances captivating and the story's exploration of ambition and insecurity to be relatable and thought-provoking, though some found the ending to be ambiguous.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on 35mm film, contributing to its distinct visual aesthetic and atmosphere.
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