Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Plot Summary
For almost all of Waverly’s life, she has been distant from her parents. Part of it was their focus on her education, but combine that with them leaving her in America, at a boarding school, while they returned to Taipei, and that has only furthered the sense of isolation – even if her mother calls on a consistent basis.
Now, in the summer before Waverly starts a residency at a hospital in Toronto, it has been four years since she last saw her parents, and while she hoped to visit them, instead she is given the opportunity to intern in Toronto before her residency instead. On her way from her home base of Chicago, she stops by her aunt Rachel’s home in Holden, and what was originally supposed to be a day or two, a layover, becomes longer as Rachel gives Waverly a sense of family, community, and Waverly begins to fall for Rachel’s neighbor Blake.
Content Information
- Dialog: Cursing
- Violence: Nothing Notable
- Sexual Content: Sexual Situations (Implied)
- Miscellaneous: Drinking, Drug Use (Implied)
General Information
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Director(s) |
Sherren Lee |
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Screenplay By |
Sherren Lee, Jesse Lavercombe |
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Based On Work By |
Kate Marchant |
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Date Released |
February 9, 2024 |
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How To Watch |
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Genre(s) |
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Film Length |
1 Hour 40 Minutes |
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Content Rating |
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Noted Characters and Cast |
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Waverly |
Andrea Bang |
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Rachel |
Michelle Krusiec |
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Blake |
Robbie Amell |
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Waverly (Andrea Bang)
Originally from Taipei, with a home base in Chicago, Waverly was raised to be a doctor and has been the best daughter she could be. However, as she reaches the final stretch towards becoming a doctor, she finds herself not questioning her final destination, but what has she done with her life beyond trying to make her mother proud?
- The actor is also known for their role in “Stay The Night.”
Rachel (Michelle Krusiec)
Rachel is Waverly’s aunt, a divorcee who enjoys drawing, her small town, and working at a local bar.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Hollywood: Season 1 Episode 2.”
Blake (Robbie Amell)
Blake is an older brother and the guardian of his sister, and is a lifeguard in Holden.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Code 8.”
Review
Highlights
What Could Have Been Regarding Waverly’s Family Dynamics
Most of the movie focuses on Waverly getting adjusted to Holden, meeting the community Rachel has built, and falling for Blake. However, the part that drives the most interest is Waverly’s relationship with her mom.
Why is this? Well, because it is the one part of the movie that feels like it has something unique to say. Seeing Waverly avoid her mother and how there is some sort of fear-based reverence for her makes you hope the two will come face to face and won’t just be a series of phone calls.
Never mind, considering how Waverly has seemingly been on autopilot forever, her confronting the absence of her mom (her dad is barely mentioned) is something you anticipate. Take note, Waverly is an immigrant child. Rachel tells her that her mom would have preferred a boy (due to the challenges women have), and there is just so much that could have been unpacked.
On The Fence
The Romance
I didn’t see Blake and Waverly as two people who had chemistry. If anything, they seemed like two people stunted because of the absence of their parents and having to grow up too soon, and while that could have led to an interesting dynamic between them, it didn’t.
Ultimately, what we get is two attractive actors paired together, whose characters bond over issues with their upbringing, or lack thereof, but the romance seems built on lack of experience being close with another person, especially of the opposite sex, than anything romantic.
Everything Going On In Holden
Aunt Rachel has a story, from her immigrating, her ex-husband deciding to live in Holden, and more, that gets swept under the rug. Her role is just to give some insight into Waverly’s mom and present reasons why Waverly should maybe consider changing her plans and living in Holden as she did.
Beyond her? While the characters are pleasant and fill out the community, it’s hard to get into their story. Whether it is Rachel’s pregnant co-worker, that person’s wife or brother, what is going on with Blake’s sister, or any of Holden’s other happenings.
All of it feels like time filler than anything worth getting invested in.
Recommendations
Good If You Like
- Romance films
If You Like This Movie, We Recommend:
- Stay The Night: A far better Andrea Bang movie
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