Introduction
The 2019 supernatural independent drama, Theresa & Allison, was directed by Jeremiah Kipp and features a screenplay from Charles D. Lincoln. The film, set in an urban landscape, reflects on the modern-day life, as well as, identity and an unexpected human relationship, which remains an integral part of the emotional journey it undertakes.
The film does not follow action-packed sequences unlike other supernatural films, as it instead uses an emotional and psychological lens to explore the impact of personal change. Theresa & Allison, with it’s unique but small cast and deep character focus, is a one of a kind film in the modern age which is simultaneously moving and thought provoking.
Plot Summary
The story follows a young woman, Theresa, who comes accustomed with a mundane everyday life, but is unexpectedly thrust into a new, and mysterious, world. After an unsettling experience, she wakes up in new surroundings, completely lost and unsure of who and what she is anymore.
As she struggles with personal understanding, she does not stay lost for long. Allison, a calm and collected woman comes in as a guide of sorts, who knows what exactly has unfolded in Theresa’s life. Allison gradually shifts her into a different reality, one that has rules that are not the same as her world, and carries emotional undertones.
As Theresa starts to come to terms with her new reality, a new set of questions arises for her: Who was I before? Who am I becoming? What do I want, and what am I willing to take from the past into the future?
Instead of a fast-paced and confrontational approach, the film allows for a more gradual, reflective approach to these questions using brief dialogues, minor choices, and meditative moments. During this journey, Theresa starts to form a quiet connection with Allison. The two women, who seemingly could not be any more different, come to realize that there is a surprising degree of overlap between the things they value.
Characters
Theresa, played by Arielle Hope, serves as the centerpiece of the film’s emotional core. She is a reflective and sensitive character who often feels torn between her logic and her feelings. Her journey is the one of the self, and a question of which life choices, ideals and values to be prioritized.
Allison, portrayed by Sarah Schoofs, embodies a beacon of sort of compassion and reassurance. She starts as an enigmatic character, but she ultimately serves as an anchoring force in Theresa’s journey. Her quiet, yet sincere demeanor and the way in which she offers to help brings some sort of stability to a world that feels off-kilter.
The film also features a few other characters who shape the mood and amplify the film’s emotional intensity. They are the characters that appear in various flashes or brief interactions that remind Theresa of the life she used to live and life challenges in front of her, and reflects on the understanding of her current being.
Tone and Themes
Theresa & Allison examines the following themes:
Personal Transformation: The film asks what happens to a person psychologically and emotionally after they go through a substantial amount of change. Theresa needs to learn how to accept her new existence and how to navigate through life with a sense of dignity and tangible objectives.
Friendship and Trust: The nature of the interactions that Theresa and Allison have oscillates between awkwardness and certainty. Their trust and friendship become a safe container to explore their innermost desires and deepest emotions.
Letting Go and Moving Forward: If the change is difficult, it could also be liberating. The film deals with the issues of change and the consequences which gently speaks towards their nature.
Emotional Healing: Healing emotional wounds like loss, regret, and confusion is central to the film’s storyline. Theresa draws strength and healing through her friendship with Allison.
The film’s tone is soft and introspective. There are no grand climactic showdowns or high-octane sequences. Rather, the film relies on soft music, meaningful dialogue, and soft lighting to build suspense. It is much more akin to watching a lyrical play or reading a thoughtful journal rather than a typical supernatural film.
Visual and Artistic Style
The film’s visual aesthetic is deeply personal. Many scenes take place in dimly lit, quiet rooms or gently illuminated corridors. This gives the story an ethereal quality, as if the events are unfolding just beyond the borders of reality.
The viewer is able to connect with the characters on an emotional level with the help of close up shots. The camera gives focus to faces and gestures, making even the tiniest response and expression seem rather monumental. Through a thoughtful score and slow pacing, the film creates a deeply personal atmosphere.
Performances and Direction
There is quiet strength in the roles from both leading actresses. Arielle Hope, as Theresa, conveys her character’s confusion, hope, and eventual acceptance with raw emotional honesty. As Allison, Sarah Schoofs gives her character calm wisdom and quiet depth. Together, their performances form the heart of the film.
Kipp really shows great consideration both for the characters and the story by creating a safe space where the characters can grow and the audience can reflect.
Audience and Reception
This is a small and personal story intended for a specific audience. Theresa & Allison is not a mainstream film, and it doesn’t attempt to be. Rather, it is a character-driven, emotion-driven film meant for those people who appreciate such works. Those people who appreciate quiet movies depicting personal change, trust, and growth will find this one particularly meaningful.
For those looking for a fast-paced thrill, Theresa & Allison will not appeal. However, this film does offer a gentler emotional journey through a landscape of uncertainty that ultimately leads to understanding and serenity.
Conclusion
Thoughtful and unique, Theresa & Allison explores the unexpected shifts that can change one’s life. It tackles the subject of emotional transformation, the power of friendship and the reality of actively choosing who we become.
Theresa & Allison is a film that invites the viewer to reflect. It does this through artful performances, a poetic tone, and an unhurried story. Rather, it’s about people, their choices, and the quest to attain a new kind of calm.
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