East of Wall is a debut film from up and coming director Kate Beecroft.  Her film is one that has a heavy heart, while jumping through many hurdles. It presents the real frustrations connected to being a widow, running a ranch, and also dealing with legalities and debts. The character is Tabatha Zimiga (her name in real-life and in the movie), and she is trying to be a responsible parent to her adopted daughter Porshia Zimiga (also using her real  name) and she is taking on the responsibility of other children that do not belong to her. Despite a complicated dynamic, doors are open in an enclosed environment. There is a chance for her to make a better income, if she is willing to change her lifestyle. East of Wall carries a heavy tolerance, because Tabatha keeps on working to be a caregiver for those she cares about. It is breathtaking in the amount of sacrifice displayed through the performance of Tabatha Zimiga. Zimiga  plays a mom that is devoted to having a heart and keeping what her gut tells her to. That is to keep her land, but also she must consider a way to pay off the debts she builds for herself. She does not have it in her to exclude those causing an impact in her life. On a vast land in South Dakota, the landscape of hardship and making ends meet makes East of Wall feel precious in its form of motherhood and parenthood.  

After the loss of her husband, Tabatha, a horse trainer, is forced to face  the family’s many debts in addition to her grief. Since she is the owner of a ranch, Tabatha extends her heart to take care of those that are close to her, even though it is difficult at times because Porshia is rebellious and precocious. With the many horses thriving on her land, a business man named Roy Waters offers to buy the land from Tabatha. Waters  is played by Scoot McNairy (Speak No Evil, Blood for Dust) in a bold and egotistical performance. All around the crazy chaos and mayhem, there is a chance for Tabatha to make a steady income, but deep-down Tabatha’s thoughts are the driving force of the film. 

The film delivers that realistic sense of choices that are hard to make. Especially around frequent moments of teenagers doing illegal things, and Tabatha fighting legal battles for kids that are not her own. This feels like a lot, especially when compounded with the grief Tabatha feels after the death of her husband. East of Wall creates a beautiful sense of what a portrait of hardship is and what it mentally takes to keep fighting. The writing and continuity flows with Tabatha fighting to keep her heart strong, which requires a certain amount of discipline. That is even a struggle, but owning a ranch with many acres and debt on top of it is one that adds to the burdensome yet poetic story of East of Wall. 

While East of Wall  has its flaws,  its authenticity is stunning. There are times where protagonist Tabatha’s characterization may not make sense, making the impact of debut director Kate Beecroft all the more significant. The thematic drum beat of perseverance permeates Beecroft’s debut film, one that is worthy of note. Two-and-a-half out of four stars.

Review also available on MovieArcher! Link is below!

https://www.moviearcher.com/2025-reviews/east-of-wall

Romance and a relationship finding itself to be sabotaged are the themes in this fling of a romcom.  This is Oh, Hi!. Written and directed by Sophie Brooks, she creates turmoil in relationship direction that tries hard to find common ground. Deep below the surface though, there is uncharted territory to be navigated in a friendship that is hard to bear. It follows one relationship assumed to be serious with an odd turn that brings the film into a context of curiousness. Why is there a lie in a relationship? Why does a romantic plan have bad news at the most unexpected time?

Its main characters are Isaac (Logan Lerman) and Iris (Molly Gordon). A couple on a getaway at a cabin. A rendezvous type of adventure. One with some weird moving parts right from the beginning. Especially with the fact that an apple stand is knocked over accidentally in route for the trip. Once Isaac and Iris arrive, they show up and are in their lovie dovie mode. However, all the romance and connection all tend to be flawed. 

Even though they appear to be a strong couple, Isaac tells Iris he does not want anything serious. This leaves her in the mood to keep him locked to bed. Yes, a rather strange setup in navigating the situation. It is like a foreplay comedy trying to get truth be admitted in the form of writing lies in terms of how some may feel when dishonesty is hidden. Iris continually tries to play mind games with Isaac to get his mind and perspective to change—desperation in love is the thriving tone here.

The writing is creative in building a scenario of figuring individuals out. Especially with Iris continuously trying to look appealing while Logan is tied to a bed. She treats him like a slave but in the tone of being polite and all. That is where there is mediocrity. More just because many times audiences will wonder when the cuffs come off. This is where psychotic behaviors begin to get out of hand. It is both funny and haunting. Especially with the fact that it is all displayed in such a quirky light. Romance cannot be true via tying someone up.

If I had to elaborate, I felt a lot of the context was more around young love finding fulfillment. Also, forcing that aspect. Especially with the fact that Iris continually loses her mind while leaving Isaac handcuffed in bed. The longer Isaac is trapped, the more of a psycho Iris pans out to be This is one-of-a-kind silliness, but it is nowhere near a masterpiece. It is mediocre in its attempt to be an experimental form. A silly and comedic direction where boundaries are never established,especially since Iris continues to not untie Isaac. The act of becoming a grown-up is dismissed. A boring film trying to find its fair form in writing with no revelation. Clever premise and personalities but writing that lacks the quality to make this feel joyful or fulfilling.  Two out of four stars.