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In (some) Theaters: "Off the Map"

March 27th, 2005 | 1 min read

By Nathan James

This strange film goes slowly along over the contours and expressions of one summer in the life of a nothing-if-not-eccentric family in rural New Mexico. The events of that summer do not drive the movie. In fact, I'm at a loss to say what exactly drives the movie. The characters are heart-felt, the visions given of the New Mexico landscape are subtle and deep but not heavy-handed, it's unpredictability keeps the relationships fagile and mostly genuine, and the acting might convince you to cry, if you're a sissy boy. The film is subtle and not sensational.

I say, go see it, unless you're in the mood for a circus. It's a sad and moving texture of a story, if you have the patience and attention to sit with it.

And it was considered in Sundance.