source: Beauty Mark

Beauty Mark is a powerful film. It brings a heart-breaking story to life with a thoughtful, nuanced script, compelling direction and masterful acting. The characters are absolutely real on the screen, complete with flaws that make them more sympathetic. The film could easily have been filled with caricatures and tropes, but it is not. It brings you into the lives of people who have been dealt difficult hands and leaves you feeling for them deeply. While the film progressed, I was enmeshed in the story, gripped with curiosity, wondering where its unpredictable path would lead as I rooted for Angie, the protagonist. During the credits, released from the tension of the story line, I broke down with empathy for Angie and the realization of how many people's lives resemble hers more than mine. I count my blessings and I highly recommend this film.

A refreshing change from an assembly line of movies about beauty queen daughters working for their ultra rich father's law firm. This is an old story that effects every sector of society. "Beauty Mark" is especially heartbreaking as it is so well portrayed by Auden Thornton, as a young mom stuck in the cogwheel of extreme poverty. A superb lead actress & supporting cast, so convincing that it's easy to forget they're acting.

I am often invited to screenings for films made by friends - from studio to student productions. While I believe that each film that gets made is its own miracle - when the lights come up, too often I am left searching for something nice to say. I had no such problem with Beauty Mark. I thoroughly enjoyed it and what's more, the impact of the film began with the closing credits and has stayed with me since. It is the mark (no pun intended) of a good film that engages the mind and emotions long after viewing. Superbly written, directed, acted, designed and photographed. I recommend it to anyone who gives a damn about people.

This movie deals with the difficult topic of child sexual abuse and how its most often the ppl we know and those who we think can be trusted are the ones perpetrating this abuse .. very sad and gripping story of a woman trying to deal with her past as best as she can and trying to build a semblance of a normal life from her childhood which has been irrevocably scarred by a sick twisted monster who shows no signs of repentance or issues with his behaviour ..

Each time I watch this film, I find something new. This important story about abuse and taking back your power even when the odds are against you is fabulously acted and deftly directed!

The nuance of this script approaches the subject from so many sides and gives so many windows through which to experience Angie's pain and predicament. The actors in the movie also give fantastic and gut-wrenching performances. I was truly moved and have been thinking about the film days after.

I had the pleasure of seeing the NYC premiere of this incredible film, made by the insightful and smart filmmaker Harris Doran. It is a story that is needed to be told in this delicate yet brutality honest way. In any other hands it would be false. See it, you will not be disappointed.

It's incredibly intense, so definitely buckle up and have a light-hearted comedy queued up to start right after - but if you're looking for a tough, important story that's incredibly well-told and crafted, definitely check this one out and spread the word. Thornton turns in what should be a career-making performance and Cathy Curtin's no slouch either. Laura Bell is outstanding if not a little underused, leaves you wanting even more of her.

I loved the film. The writing, the acting, composition/craft and the messages in it were extremely powerful. Auden Thornton and Catherine Curtin deliver impactful, stirring performances and the rest of the cast delivers strongly. Highly recommended.