Genre: Drama

Director: Carol Brandt

Cast: Meredith Johnson and Rene Cruz

Studio: Shaky Balloon Productions

Runtime: 75 minutes

Release Date: Premieres at SXSW March 10, 2018

Rated: Not Rated

Rating ★★★★★

Pet Names, directed by Carol Brandt and written by Meredith Johnson, centers around grad school dropout Leigh (Johnson), who spends her time playing nurse to her homebound ill mother. After being urged to take a vacation from her constant care taking, Leigh decides to take a camping trip and invites her former high school boyfriend Cam (Rene Cruz) to join her.

I knew absolutely nothing going into Pet Names other than it is an indie movie set to premiere at SXSW this year, but I was excited to check it out because I love supporting indie filmmakers. Thankfully, this one does not disappoint. Pet Names is wonderful and one of the most original films I’ve seen so far in 2018.

Cam and Leigh share a moment.

What I loved most about Pet Names is how in the moment the movie feels. It doesn’t follow a traditional story arc, nor do its actors act like film characters. This is a movie that feels real from the opening to the ending. I must praise first time writer Johnson’s script for how beautifully subtle it is. It works wonderfully off Brandt’s direction, which feels relaxed, letting the actors carry scenes in a way that feels natural. This, mixed with the film’s visual style, utilizing a 4:3 aspect ratio with faded colors, makes it feel like you’re watching somebody’s home movies, which in turn, adds to the realism.

And speaking of the visuals, Pet Names is so beautiful to look at, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. Cinematographer Dana Shihadah and director Brandt obviously have a distinct vision as they opt for lots of close-ups, giving the movie an intimate feeling. The film’s flat look is a great decision as shots look like they’re paintings. It’s one of the most unique looking films this year.

Meredith Johnson stars as Leigh

Visuals and a good script are nothing, however, if the actors can’t bring them to life, which thankfully they do. Johnson and Cruz give very human performances and their chemistry is palpable. Most of the film revolves around their conversations in the woods, which could be a bore but thankfully, the pair is engaging to watch.

Pet Names does have a few issues, primarily with the story losing focus. As nuanced as Johnson’s script is, it could use some fine-tuning, particularly in a sequence that involves Cam’s dog when it goes missing. This plot point stops the movie dead in its tracks and given that it ends almost as quickly as it begins and adds little to the overall plot, I questioned why it was there in the first place.

Another aspect of the film I wish had been fleshed out just a bit more is the ending. It is not necessarily bad but I feel it lacks the necessary time to give the characters proper closure. It doesn’t ruin the film but it could have been tweaked.

Rene Cruz stars as Cam

Some viewers might potentially be put off by the film’s slow pace and long drawn out scenes. But peer deeper and you’ll find both of these things serve a purpose. Pet Names has a lot to say about love and life and neither of these things turn out the way you expect.

Pet Names is a heartfelt and surprisingly profound film by a writer who has a bright future ahead of her. I’m excited for what Johnson and Brandt do next. If you can, I recommend checking Pet Names out.

For more on this film visit:
Website: https://www.petnamesmovie.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/petnamesmovie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petnamesmovie/

All Photos: ©2018 Shaky Balloon Productions. All Rights Reserved.