Directed by: Adam Walters Written by: Adam Walters Genre: Adventure, Drama |
Stiltsville Sisters
Older sister Ines (Anna Carvalho) decides to call up her sister Marine (Alix Richard) for a trip to Stiltville, a grouping of historical houses on the waters of Miami. These buildings on stilts serve as a back drop for a story of love, loss and re-connection. Ines and Marine are not from the area, and Ines figures since she's always wanted to see the sights, this would be a good time to reach out to her younger sister.
From the mind and eye of Adam Walters, this is a story of family, although not the ideal version. Marine is Ines step sister and it's implied that she was never treated right. As a result, Ines has estranged herself. There are no hints at anything other than Ines not being wanted, and this isn't a story of any kind of physical abuse I can see. But the estrangement has changed the relationship of the 2 sisters. Distanced them and it seems to me they were, at one time, close. The other big plot point I noticed was the timing and reason for the trip. Ines has recently been involved in a relationship breakdown. It's for this reason she wants to travel and see things. Such as Stiltsville and the sea. Her personality has changed as well, as noted by Marine; and the film focuses on the potential healing of the 2 sisters, but not of the overall family. This is a relationship drama. Nothing more. Being a micro budget film, Adam Walters has picked a beautiful location and used it the best way he could. The result is a visually pretty title that uses it's backgrounds as eye candy. It works because you won't find yourself looking down at your phone when you watch. This is a good thing because although Anna and Alix present some good performances, there's really not a lot going on. The family problems and relationship issues are never fully realized. More like conversations in passing. I know this is 'supposed' to be an adventure/drama, but I never fully connected with either of the stars. No more than I would connect with a stranger sitting next to me on a bus, talking with their friend. The fault is not with the ladies and their acting, it's with a script that never seems to fully lift off. The actions, words and expressions are all visible. The attempt at depth is noticeable. It was just never fully achieved to me. Stiltville Sisters was an average venture with plenty of above average scenery and some decent acting. This title was very easy to spend 15 minutes with, but may leave you wishing for more when it's all over. Usually, that's a good thing. |
