Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Nate W — 10 Feb 2009

Despite a brief runtime of only 80 minutes, "Wendy and Lucy" isn't for those with a short attention span. This minimalist story is told with a muted quality that forces the viewer to be on the look out for every subtlety.

Carrying the weight of the entire film is Michelle Williams, who gives a sublime performance as Wendy, a wanderer who loses her precious dog Lucy after being arrested for shoplifting. Wendy's financial struggle is particularly meaningful in the current economic climate, and even though she is running from society, she learns there is no escape from the cruelties of a world plagued by the necessity of money.

This is low-budget independent film making at its best.