Review of Natural Selection (2011) by Manny C — 25 Jan 2013

Debuting director Robbie Pickering shows exceptional promise with Natural Selection, his knockout first feature, a film that springs remarkable surprises on a bare-bones budget. Rachel Harris is all kinds of amazing as Linda White, a real-life Texas housewife, but without the flamboyant appearance.

Linda has spent years being a faithful and loyal Christian wife to husband Abe (John Diehl, terrific). Abe however is an unmitigated hypocrite who hasn't had sex with Linda since she was diagnosed as infertile, because apparently it's sinful to spill your seed when it's impossible to impregnante the woman.

So just imagine Linda's reaction when Abe has a stroke. While jerking off at a Houston sperm bank, something he's been sneaking off to do for years. With Abe on the verge of dying Linda tracks down one of the results of Abe's donations, and she finds Raymond (Matt O'Leary), an escaped convict in Tampa, Florida, avoiding cops as well as soap and water.

Thus begins the road trip with Linda driving Raymond back to Texas with her to meet daddy. It's these scenes that become the heart of the film, working wonderfully from Pickering's own screenplay which avoids trite cliches.

No fair spoiling the surprises, including Linda's bitch of a sister, Sheila (Gayland Williams) and her minister husband (Jon Gries), whose long had a crush on Linda. The chemistry between Harris and O'Leary is extraordinary, two actors alert to the curveballs the script tosses.

The scene of the two breaking into a diner and having it out emotionally is one of a kind, and a testament to Pickering's talents. O'Leary is great as an introvert opening up for the first time, but Harris is Natural Selection's MVP.

Best remembered as Ed Helms' ball-busting fiancee in The Hangover, Harris is superb. She knows Linda down to her fingertips and never once looks down on her faith, whether in God or herself. It's a terrific performance in a most wonderful film.