Fragile World, written and directed by Sandy Boikian ("Leaving Limbo"), is the story of a lonely interior decorator with a history of delusions who falls in love with a charming stranger. The question is...is he real or a product of her imagination? Starring Alexa Jansson (Rosalie), Noelle Perris (Britt), Benjamin Keepers (August), Marco Aiello (Fitz), and Chad Bishop (Logan), and produced by Lisa Boore Lambert, this film keeps you guessing as it explores the world of mental breakdowns and delusions.
Britt & Rosalie
Sandy Boikian has come through with yet another film that captures my imagination, makes me think, and thoroughly entertains. Leaving Limbo was quirky and fun, but I did not see how she would pull it off again with Fragile World and the serious subject matter. I have watched this film several times now, and pick up things I missed in each viewing. The twists and turns of the story keep you guessing throughout the entire film. Each actor brings another layer, with the main characters giving nuances that build to the suspense of reality and their own conceptions of what is happening. Even the minor ones are vital to giving clues to what is going on. Later you look back and realize that your initial response may have been incorrect.
Rosalie & August
Rosalie is under so many burdens that suicide seems to be the only solution until she has a chance encounter with August. They don't actually speak, but that spark of interest they each find causes her to make a decision to live. When they do finally run into each other and talk, both quickly fall in love and Rosalie finds a new joy in life. But that is when the viewer discovers that this is not a love story or a film about recovering from heartbreaking circumstances, but a puzzling mystery with pieces that don't quite fit the way we expected.
Fitz and one of his fans
The first person we see in the film is Fitz, a musician who wants to be a star. Starting off as a character I don't have a favorable impression of, his is a prime example of things not always being what they seem. By the end of the film, I was another of his "adoring fans." By the way, actor/singer Marco Aiello, who plays Fitz has several songs on the soundtrack of the film. Another huge thing for my enjoyment of this film is that I loved the music!! A couple of times I wanted to rewind to hear songs again, but the entire soundtrack is fabulous.
Seriously, this is a multi-award winning film for good reason! I highly recommend it and can hardly wait to see what Sandy Boikian and Bruised Reed Productions will come out with next.
Suppose you woke up and realized you had been asleep for 19 years?
Monica was a teenager looking forward to her engagement party and a happily-ever-after life when a car wreck leaves her in a coma. She awakens to a world that has radically changed and leaves her puzzled as she struggles to pick up the shattered pieces and fit them all back together. The people in her life have moved on while time stood still for her. Can she accept things will never be the same again?
Elias Cecil, Mandy Brown, Noelle Perris, Owen Williams
Leaving Limbo, written and directed by Sandy Boikan, is a charming, poignant, funny, and thought-provoking film that isn't quite a fairy tale, but only because it is more indepth. Based on Boikan's play, My Wonderful Coma, the film touches on topics like forgiveness, regrets, guilt, redemption, restoration, and wasted years. The running theme, based on Joel 2:25, reminds us of God's promise that there is hope for our future.
Mandy Brown, as Monica Wyatt, is fascinating to watch as she goes through every range of emotion as a young woman who awakens to find herself nearing 40 and having slept away half of her life. Trying to come to terms with things that were not common in the 80s brings moments of comedy...and nostalgia. She gives an outstanding performance as a woman who emotionally is still on the brink of adulthood yet has suddenly been propelled into a world that must feel like she is living in a dream. As former fiancee, Ben, Elias Cecil gives a great portrayal of one who has given up his dreams and grown up to be a serious, overly-protective father who has lost much of the joy of life he had as a teen with a promising future.
Owen Williams (Wallace) does not get as much screen time as some of the others in the film, but his character is one of the more fascinating ones. As the driver of the car, he has spent 19 years living with the guilt of his actions. He reminds me a lot of Jim Carrey as a comedic actor, but both actors are also incredible in dramas.
The remaining major cast members all give strong performances. Noelle Perris is Tuesday, Monica's best friend, who also married (and divorced) Ben as Monica lay sleeping. David Fruechting gives a tremendous performance as the father who never gave up hope, and used his experience to share his faith and hope to others in a crisis situation. Lauren Montgomery as the niece who was a child in 1989, but now a woman who is in many ways more mature than her aunt is like the "voice of reason" as Monica struggles to reconcile her past life with her current one. The comic relief is Amy Mathieson as Rosa, the British nurse who has spent over a decade caring for her comatose patient and still thinks of Monica as her closest confidante.
There is so much to say about the film, but I don't want to risk giving away any plot points. Some of the things that seem illogical to me all make sense as the film adds different layers and twists to the story. There were a couple of times when things did not quite add up for me, but not to the point that it took away my enjoyment. Leaving Limbo is one of those films that can carry heavy subject matter, but does so with a compelling story, a lot of fun references to the 80s, and a satisfying ending. It is a faith-based film, but it is a natural part of the character's lives. This movie is one that can be enjoyed by all. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend others to pick up a copy.
