Sad, lonely, bitter and disillusioned crack addict Alix (a remarkably brave, naked and electrifying performance by Ana Reeder) resides on the mean streets of Manhattan's Lower Eastside and ekes out a bleak and thankless existence selling stolen goods so she can support her dope habit. One day Alix overdoes on bad junk, passes out and gets dumped in an apartment hallway. Friendly and compassionate successful photographer Digna (a winningly sweet portrayal by Michael Hyatt) gives Alix shelter and tries to get Alix to surmount her drug problem so she can get her life back on track. Writer/director Rosemary Rodriguez relates the grim and absorbing story in a riveting and convincing no-frills documentary style: Luke Geissbuhler's rough, grainy, hand-held cinematography, the occasionally jarring editing, the grungy, homely and unglamorous extras, Jim Coleman's spare, bluesy score, the heartbreaking tragic conclusion, and the gritty urban locations add immensely to this picture's overall sense of harsh realism. The central friendship between the two main characters is painfully honest, moving and insightful. Reeder and Hyatt truly shine in their tough and demanding roles; they receive fine support from Nestor Rodriguez as Digna's apathetic, but basically decent boyfriend Anthony and Christopher Kadish as strung-out struggling musician Mark. Raw, credible and uncompromisingly hard around the edges, this strong and deeply touching indie sleeper rates as a total powerhouse.
Review of Acts of Worship
