Emanuel (Kaya Scodelario) is a moody teen who lives in her own world. Her mother died giving birth to her. Not only does she blame herself, "murderer without a motive" she feels out of place. Emanuel has no trouble with lying, although in her case it is a defensive mechanism. Her words are cynical. She meets Claude (Aneurin Barnard) a boy who understands her and emulates her ability to lie.
When Linda (Jessica Biel) moves in with her baby next door, Emanuel offers to babysit a woman who becomes her mother figure to the dismay of her step mom (Frances O'Connor) who worries Emanuel may be attracted to women. If for some reason you weren't engaged in the film, at 22 minutes you will be, as Linda has her own issues and secrets that Emanuel indulges her and protects her.
The film comes full circle as do most indies of this caliber. I would recommend NOT reading a lot of reviews as one might reveal the plot spoiler early in the film, i.e. at 22 minutes, that really must be experienced.
This is not a film for everyone. It is on the arty side. Well constructed dialog. Winner of several indie awards.
Parental Guide: 1 F-bomb. No sex or nudity. Teens kissing.
The Truth About Emanuel
2013
Action / Drama / Thriller
The Truth About Emanuel
2013
Action / Drama / Thriller
Keywords: woman director
Plot summary
A troubled girl (Emanuel) becomes preoccupied with her mysterious new neighbor (Linda),who bears a striking resemblance to her dead mother. In offering to baby-sit Linda's newborn, Emanuel unwittingly enters a fragile, fictional world, of which she becomes the gatekeeper.
Uploaded by: OTTO
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
REALITY IS OVERRATED
Other world
Movies (unless documentaries, though even those are not entirely "real") are not supposed to be taken straight up, because they are what someone else thought of, so its supposed to be otherworldly. In this case the movie takes it to other places literally. Not always and only at special points in the story.
The German title also might indicate this to be a bit different than you'd expect (especially concerning our female lead): Linda's Child. But the Germans always like to explain the movies you're about to watch. The female lead, a young very beautiful actress has more than a couple of flaws and issues. Not a very sociable person (even though she has the charisma to pull that off, the looks as mentioned are there from the get go),but a person that might be able to help others who have issues of their own. Be it from the male or female gender.
This isn't perfect by a long shot, the points can be guessed, but they could've been made better. Still the performances (also Jessica Biel) are more than phenomenal. If you like weird thrillers with some extra touch, you are right on the spot with this one
feel like I have seen this movie before
i guess this movie is about loss and deficiency that could never be filled with anything. This is typical subject so it is really important how to make a story without leaving a familiar impression. Like I said, it is familiar to me. Because I have read some short s stories reminiscent of this movie. The images of fishes and ocean reminds me of " legend of suicide" written by David Vann and the story of babysitting the baby who does not exist, A short story of William Trevor which I can't remember the name of. So this movie has beautiful scenes and I like watching it but there is no impression on it. And I cannot actually feel sadness for Emmanuel or Linda