Review of Runoff (2015) by Steven L — 07 Sep 2015

This film is a finely crafted study of the slippery slope of moral compromise, set in a farming community of quite sympathetic and very believable characters going about lives of day-to-day and decision-to-decision, quiet survival. Superbly shot with understated visuals that gently draw one in, the viewer becomes involved in a worsening chain of difficult paths the characters feel they must take, although they know that the outcomes could be failure of their finances, their morals, and their responsibilities to their children.

The writer and director, Kimberly Levin (who brings stage directing experience to the task), displays a sure hand, uses no cheap tricks, and -- above all -- keeps faith with her viewers by framing conflicts honestly and by offering no easy answers. And despite whatever superlatives I use, the film is better than the words I can bring to bear describing it. See it -- you will feel enriched as I have.