Electrick children is a beautiful movie that's even more beautifully shot. Director Rebecca Thomas shows a great cinematic sense and uses lighting brilliantly, from directly lighting Rachel in angelic fashion to the stark contrast between the dark Mormon community and the neons of the Vegas strip.
Julia Garner as Rachel really shines and viewers may recognize her from 'Perks of being a Wallflower' but this is her breakout performance. She perfectly balances the innocence and naivete of a Mormon fish-out- of-water, and is even totally believable when she insists her pregnancy is divinely inspired.
Other great performances come from Billy Zane as the overbearingly- devout Mormon patriarch (and Rachel's father) and from Rory Culkin as a band member who sympathizes with Rachel's plight. The best performance is turned in by Liam Aiken as Rachel's suspected lover and her partner in escape. He absolutely steals every scene he's in, growing and developing even more than Rachel herself. Fantastic work on his part.
Lastly, the soundtrack must be mentioned. The main song, which may have immaculately-conceived Rachel's child, returns throughout the film and never gets old. The sweetest moment happens when Rachel is speaking on a cell phone for the very first time and sings the lyrics softly. As a returning theme, one could not do much better than this particular tune.
Thumbs very much in the air.
Julia Garner as Rachel really shines and viewers may recognize her from 'Perks of being a Wallflower' but this is her breakout performance. She perfectly balances the innocence and naivete of a Mormon fish-out- of-water, and is even totally believable when she insists her pregnancy is divinely inspired.
Other great performances come from Billy Zane as the overbearingly- devout Mormon patriarch (and Rachel's father) and from Rory Culkin as a band member who sympathizes with Rachel's plight. The best performance is turned in by Liam Aiken as Rachel's suspected lover and her partner in escape. He absolutely steals every scene he's in, growing and developing even more than Rachel herself. Fantastic work on his part.
Lastly, the soundtrack must be mentioned. The main song, which may have immaculately-conceived Rachel's child, returns throughout the film and never gets old. The sweetest moment happens when Rachel is speaking on a cell phone for the very first time and sings the lyrics softly. As a returning theme, one could not do much better than this particular tune.
Thumbs very much in the air.