You won't be disappointed!

Sadly Over-hyped

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

6/7/18. This is a sad love story of a lesbian (Kirke), named Joey who falls for a needy woman with kids looking for an emotional and financial connection in every which way she can. Sadly, Joey is willing to give up everything for the woman she loves, but that woman (Wool) does not reciprocate in kind. All she was looking for is someone to support her, be that someone be a man or a woman. In the end, you will feel bad for Joey.

Okay, when I watched this movie THEN saw that it had 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, I thought surely I slipped into an alternate universe...then I realized only 6 people reviewed the movie. I'm going to assume those 6 are either related to the actors/writers OR they have been kept in an underground bunker since birth, devoid of human contact and without concept of language beyond guttural sounds and hand gestures. In a nutshell, this movie sucked at all levels..the acting...the story...the direction...the ending...the dialogue. I could go on. About the only thing that kept my interest was my discomfort with the cleanliness of mobile home and Reyna's unkempt hair. There was nothing "artistic" about this movie, in fact, I've watched people grab their luggage off a baggage carousel with more enthusiasm. BOO!

I have been following the progress of this film, eagerly anticipating its release. From the opening sequence, through to the final frame I was invested in the characters journey and the underlining themes of the story. Authentic directing from Shoval helped create space for the characters to build, only cutting and moving the camera when necessary. The queerness of the characters is not made out to be the central theme of the film, however, the love story is genuine. Kirke delivers an emotive performance that reflects a relatable, yet painful depiction of the reckless nature of a first love.

From the opening shot, AWOL draws you in to its landscape of people, place and passion. Kirke and Wool, working with a backdrop of economic and personal distress, use their characters to paint a picture of the interrelated challenges of life and love. Director Shoval commits to the authenticity of her characters, allowing the story to unfold without compromise.