Seemingly slight indie rom-com takes an Seemingly slight indie rom-com takes an unexpected dark turn in the final third.

Effervescent dance tutor Victoria (writer-producer-director Marianne Hettinger) thought she found her Prince Charming in former Olympic star Max Bauer (an effective Andreas Beckett),ending in a quick matrimony that surprises her loved ones including mom (delightful Lenore Loveman). Max attempts to establish himself as an artist always ends in failure owing mostly to his shiftlessness and scam-like conduct (nifty intro scenes of Max quickly establish him as a possible con artist).

Max the sloth takes full advantage of Victoria and moves in with her. He also pushed her into participating in his 'avant garde' art installations.

The desperation in Victoria is obvious and heart-breaking when she laments to her friends about being 45 and worrying if she's going to have a family of her own in trying to justify her sticking with Max despite his loutish behavior and constant put downs of her. Victoria calm tolerance and easy-going attitude allows Max to exploit her insecurities, culminating in physical assaults..

Effervescent dance tutor Victoria (writer-producer-director Marianne Hettinger) thought she found her Prince Charming in former Olympic star Max Bauer (an effective Andreas Beckett),ending in a quick matrimony that surprises her loved ones including mom (delightful Lenore Loveman). Max attempts to establish himself as an artist always ends in failure owing mostly to his shiftlessness and scam-like conduct (nifty intro scenes of Max quickly establish him as a possible con artist).

Max the sloth takes full advantage of Victoria and moves in with her. He also pushed her into participating in his 'avant garde' art installations.

The desperation in Victoria is obvious and heart-breaking when she laments to her friends about being 45 and worrying if she's going to have a family of her own in trying to justify her sticking with Max despite his loutish behavior and constant put downs of her. Victoria calm tolerance and easy-going attitude allows Max to exploit her insecurities, culminating in physical assaults.

I am drawn to honest and authentic storytelling. I respect the filmmakers desire to portray real people with dreams, desires and massive flaws. This film is raw and deals with a very complex issue - what will we sacrifice to find happiness? How far will we go to twist reality to meet our needs? When is enough, enough? Those answers aren't easy or clear cut and I really enjoyed how the writer/director handled the subject matter. It really made me think.

Great film! Wonderful acting and direction! A heartbreakingly honest film that clearly comes straight out of the heart of the writer.