FilmWatch Review: Connect To

"Connect To" is a charming little tale about hope and second chances. It's a somewhat touching short film about redemption of sorts and how faith can be renewed in the most unlikeliest of situations.

"Connect To" tells the story of two women who have a chance encounter on a bus, in a moment that will likely change their lives forever. Whitney (Wonder Russell) is an eccentric, mentally off-balanced girl who stows away on a cross-country bus as she escapes the mental hospital in which she was being held. Laurie (Lisa LeVan) is a desperate woman on the run as she flees her miserable marriage.

It is on this bus that these two women encounter one another and change each other's lives. Initially, however it doesn't start off so well. Starting with a confrontation between the two, it seems these travel-mates may bring more misery to each others already troublesome life. However, as the trip forces them together, the two begin to bond and a friendship blossoms. On that bus, these two women find a connection which they desperately need as they travel alone and rejected.

The core story is a touching one that provides inspiration. Being fairly well written, it's genuine and full of heart. However, it doesn't fully expose this heart as much as it could have. I felt it could have delved more into the connection between the two women. While there's a definite bond between the two, it never gets completely heartfelt in this connection. Instead we're treated to brief conversations followed by plenty moments of silence between the two (sometimes awkward). In these moments, I felt it could've went more into showing how/why these two connect and illustrating the emotional bond they formed.

While we're seemingly kept an arm-length away through parts of this film, this doesn't completely detract from the story. It does, however, cause the story to keep the audience slightly disconnected and not truly connect to the emotional side of this pairing. Though, it still proves a charming little tale that will warm the compassionate viewer.

We are treated to some good acting from the two leads in "Connect To". Lisa LeVan plays the disgruntled, stand-offish role well, then finally warming up to her travel-mate. She brings an air of genuine sentiment to the role which provides even more of a human and realistic element to the tale. Meanwhile, Wonder Russell especially gives a fine performance as she plays the eccentric Whitney. Her quirky and tender performance draws you in to the point you just can't help but like Whitney. This performance even helps make up for the aforementioned lack of emotional connection in the story. This affectionate performance helps you realize how, if in Laurie's shoes, you wouldn't be able to resist loving this not-quite-there-but-affably-ch arming girl.

All in all, "Connect To" provides a charming story that proves hope, though lost, can be found so long as we don't give up. In our darkest hours, life can be rejuvenated if only we seek to follow through and find that silver lining, continuing to carry on. Under the weight of the world, a chance encounter can provide an unlikely friendship to prove we're never alone and all will be well as we carry on. Despite some faults, it is still a compassionate film reminding us that it is the connections we make that can give meaning to our lives and be the most valuable thing life has to offer.

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