At first the slice of life indie drama "A Country Called Home" seems to be trying too hard to be indelible. But I found as I let this small town tale of self-discovery and lives recalibrated gently play itself out I came to understand what Director and Co-Writer Anna Axster is doing with her gentle story. That is, to not try to impress you as much as impress upon you what the different definitions of family and the path to one's destiny can be. Axster's is simply one of any number of takes on this tale. And in the end it is a most caring and enlightening journey to which we have been treated.

This is the first time I've seen the work of the film's star Imogen Poots. The strikingly beautiful young actress exudes a unique screen presence. Poots brings a naturally relaxed manner to her role of the rudderless twentysomething Ellie, who leaves a spirit sinking existence in L.A. to pay her respects at the funeral of an estranged father she never really knew. While once again it took some time, I gradually settled in to appreciate her easygoing way with this character cast adrift in a world weary with disappointment. Suffice to say that here is a gifted performer now situated solidly on my radar.

Finally, major props to Axster and her magnificent depiction of small town Texas. I grew up in The Lone Star State, and have personally been to all three of the humble hamlets collectively serving as the sleepy, if not at least somewhat sad, setting for "A Country Called Home". I could almost literally smell the air thick with the distinct scents of ranch field brush and oak trees, all the while being cast back to the oppressive heat and humidity inherent in this extraordinarily ordinary part of our country.

And, pardner, y'all best understand that these are memories just as mighty and everlastin' as the sweet sweltering Texas summer itself.

I loved this film and it actually made tears well up in my eyes a few times, which rarely, if ever, happens during a film. It was simply a week in the life of Ellie (Imogen Poots) as she arranged her father's funeral and explored her fathers life in the town. One thing I really loved was the trans-guy cowboy, Reno (Mackenzie Davis). There aren't many trans characters in film, especially not transgender guys, so this was a breath of fresh air.

The plot was easy to follow. Estranged familial relation dies, funeral, town-folk relating stories of the deceased, troubled family, and new connections. The characters, albeit clichéd, were interesting and relatable. Amanda, the wife of Ellie's dad, is a drunk having trouble coping. Her son, Jack, is understandably bitter and stressed as he has a lot on his plate with his drunk mother and child to care for. Reno is troubled with small-town bigotry, and a self-indulgent, diabetic mother. And Ellie is a simple girl making peace with her father, who caused her and her brother a lot of pain.

Only one thing about this film kind of bothered me. Ellie spent a lot of her time in town with her new friend Reno, and hardly any with her "step-brother" Jack, but near the end of the film, when she is at the hospital with Jack, they are close to kissing. This felt strange because throughout the film, there was no indication (except a very small bit where Jack's son asks if Ellie is going to stay) that Jack was a love interest. If anything, I felt Reno was more of a love interest than Jack. In the end though, Jack and Ellie didn't become a thing, which I absolutely liked; Too many films that shoehorn love subplots kill the movie for me, but this didn't end like that.

Overall, it was a beautiful film. Really heartwarming, interesting, and real.

A feel good indie film. I expected a complete drama, probably realistic and nothing more. It was slightly hopping around with different genres. Yeah, there were some fun, though how the tale had begun and how the rest of the narration shaped up was not so blendful. A young woman returns home after learning about her father's sudden death. It was the first visit after many years, especially since her mother's death. She also for the first time meets her grandparents. This trip is a different experience. The short stay extents, and then she meets Reno, a singer who stuck in the plac due to her mother. From there how the rest of the story unfolds is told decently.

It had characters, the great ones. The story too, but not all the scenes were so great. Particularly Reno made this film a bit cheerful. Usually indie films are one-off, but I thought they should make another one. Because feels there's more to add to it, like a road trip, followed by the rest of their lifeline in LA. Or maybe a prequel seems good too. If you like drama films, you would enjoy it. But not for everyone. Imogen was good, I liked somebody like her accepted the role. Then Mackenzie Davis and others too were good. Not many people had seen it, for that reason itself, it deserves to be watched. Forget the film critics, just try it and rate it.

7/10