By Will Barber Taylor

Addison (Aurora Perrineau) and Lyle (Rachel Hendrix) are two young women torn apart by a childhood tragedy. Unexpectedly reunited they embark on an illuminating 24-hour journey, where they unlock memories of long forgotten innocence and what it means to truly believe.

Once in a blue moon, a film comes along that truly embodies the spirit of life and childhood without becoming overly clingy or sentimental. Virginia Minnesota is such a film. Stories are at the heart of Virginia Minnesota and are its lifeblood; the concept of changing narratives is one that is used to help progress the story as well as develop the personalities of our main characters. This technique is one which is different from other films about storytelling as the use of it is more integral to the plot than other films of a similar theme. It is also different because, rather than the stories coming from a male perspective, as many films about storytelling do, it comes from two women who are attempting to rebuild their lives and find their inner child giving it a profound complexity to it.

The performances are excellent, particularly those of the two main actors, Aurora Perrineau and Rachel Hendrix. Both give off distinct character traits and their interactions with one another demonstrate a deep friendship, even if it is one that has been damaged by tragedy. Aurora Perrineau is particularly impressive, making Addison feel like a complete person and not simply a character on the screen.

Virginia Minnesota is a fascinating film that delves into what it means to tell stories and to be able to explore the breadth of human existence through them; it’s message of friendship and the healing power of words is an inspiring one and will stay with you long after you have seen the film.

With thanks to Daniel Stine. You can read my interview with him here.