I was fortunate enough to attend a screening of Bare at the Tribeca Film Festival and now that all four screenings are over, I figured I’d post a review for anyone curious.
Everything that follows is all totally my opinion. I’m a huge Dianna fan, but that doesn’t mean I’m biased in everything she does. I work on TV (daytime and late night) and some film here in NYC as well as dabble in some acting of my own (mainly some Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway dramas). I’ve worked in multiple casting offices and everyone in the industry knows each other and is connected somehow. I feel this makes me a fairly trustworthy reviewer but again it’s all totally just my little opinion :)
Overall, I thought the film was great. It was different and it definitely has that indie vibe to it. The whole idea is kind of an allegory to director/writer Natalia Leite’s life and there’s so many small details that made me aware that this was a film totally made by someone who knew what it was like to grow up in the middle of nowhere, so to speak. For her first feature, I think she should be very proud. There’s so much truth in the writing. The dialogue was very natural to me, particularly in the scenes with Sarah and her group of friends. When writing is forced, the acting is automatically forced, so I was so happy the writing was well done.
I’ve wanted for a long time to see Dianna in a role with depth and meat and leading lady qualities and I got to see it in this film.
Now, I know for so many the nudity and the whole “lesbian lovers” thing got a lot of people excited because (for whatever reason) people are obsessed with Dianna’s sexuality. Not to burst the bubble of those people, but this is NOT a film about sexuality or sexual discovery. This is a film about a young girls coming of age. She wants more. She doesn’t want to be stuck, and it’s clear that that’s exactly what’s happening to Sarah. She’s stuck. When she meets Paz’s character Pepper, she’s introduced to a world she’s never thought of before. Pepper represents the unknown, the risks, the adventures, a way out. Sarah is so drawn to that because it’s nothing she’s ever had. Pepper doesn’t question Sarah, she doesn’t judge her. She encourages Sarah, offers advice. Sarah becomes like a puppy following its favorite person. Because of this, she starts smoking, she tries drugs, and it becomes normal. The sexual part of the film is just natural. It makes sense to Sarah. It’s different, refreshing, new, exciting, she likes Pepper and everything they’ve shared together.
I thought there was definitely chemistry between Paz and Dianna. It was stronger in some scenes than others. My favorite scene between them might be when they’re hanging out in Sarah’s place smoking and watching a film on octopuses. It’s so casual, the acting wasn’t forced, it made me smile.
The personal highlight of the film for me happens to be the moment of Diannas best acting in the entire thing. Shit has finally hit the fan, she’s strung out on coke, her boyfriend finds her, is a giant ass, and she’s a mumbling crying mess outside on the floor. The performance was so raw and gorgeous and truthful. I could tell she could go even further with it. I wish the scene was longer and the film did not have to continue. Dianna was IN it. As an audience member, actor, film critic.. that’s all we ever want to see. Commitment and dedication. That scene was full of it. It also speaks to Dianna’s confidence and fearlessness as well as the safe space and environment created by the set and crew. My favorite moment for sure.
Paz de la Huerta did a fine job, but something about her performance still left me wanting more. I didn’t feel as big an arc for her character as I should have. But maybe that’s the point. Perhaps Pepper doesn’t grow and therefore the audience knows her future and her ending, whereas Sarah’s is still yet to be determined. The film ends quite literally with her starting over again.
I thought Chris Zylka as Haden and Louisa Krause as Lucille were fantastic in their supporting roles. They were pivotal in helping make the audience feel and root for Sarah. I was so pleasantly surprised by the supporting cast.
I’m happy to answer any specific or more detailed questions anyone may have. And don’t worry, Natalia Leite has confirmed that the film will eventually be available in all countries, so keep up with her. I’m sure it’ll be available online before we know it.
Have a great day/night wherever you may be! Xx
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