Review of Trouble the Water (2008) by Robbie M — 12 Feb 2009

This film could so easily have been something familiar, like a document of political failure during a disaster. It is that, subtly, and a showcase of our governmentâ??s failures that go beyond those relating to Katrina. But it is foremost a portrait of strength and resilience. It is hard not to call what Kimberly generously offers to us on screen a performance, because her outsize personality exudes such star quality. And she is often quite conscious of this fact when the cameraâ??s on. But no one could write her part or deliver her lines but Kim herself, and you canâ??t help but love even the warts in her human makeup. I kept waiting for her to crumble or rant or panic or merely yell at someone, but while her anger and grief are palpable, she stays cool through and through. Amazing.

If I have one qualm, it is that I wish the filmmakers had counterbalanced the amateur camerawork with a little smoother professionalism. But thatâ??s a small thing.