Review of Life and Nothing More

Life and Nothing More is a quiet, calculated and purposeful look into the hidden layers of reality in modern America. The concepts of race, class, education and family intersect to paint a vivid picture of how these factors often function more as obstacles than anything else for the film's characters. The cast's breakout performances are anything but amateur, as their nuanced portrayals of a struggling African-American family emote a newfound level of both frustration and perseverance as they attempt to not fall into society's stereotypical expectations of them. While other films may employ extravagant tactics, the true beauty in Life and Nothing More can be found in its minimalistic nature, allowing viewers to intently follow the narrative and gain a true understanding of life, and nothing more than that.