Perfection (V) (2012) User Reviews

A bit inexpressive

[blumdeluxe · 4/10 · 4 April 2017]

First of all "Perfection" surely deals with important issues. There are several topics touched like self-reflection, abuse, the fear of getting older, that are definitely worth talking about and that definitely give this movie a raison-d'etre. It is thus maybe a harsh ranking I gave.

The reason I didn't enjoy the film so much was that it somehow is hard to grasp. I found it not so easy to emphasize with the characters, even though there's absolutely no reason for it. I just missed the great fight or conflict, everything kind of went with the flow. I think that a clearer structure and focus on what's the message would have probably helped the film to get its important points across.

The movie as it is tells the story of a woman finding the courage to be herself and trust others and that is beautiful - but it is a story that was told way better a lot of times. Now everyone who finds some encouragement through this movie is of course an example of how everyone reacts differently on different movies but for me personally, this one was a bit forgettable.

On The Bland Side

[mcjensen-05924 · 1/10 · 9 January 2024]

Disconnected from any sense of reality, unfortunately. I'm not saying the issues aren't real, but the way they're portrayed here doesn't translate well. Nobody is remotely interesting or likeable in this movie, or worthy of garnering any sympathy. The mother is simply annoying, and that's only when she's not being unbearable. The whole relationship between mother/daughter is forced, flat and insincere. Could kinda see things coming way off. While trying to be dark and edgy it only succeeds as being drab and lifeless. The Brit, who's supposed to be some kind of light comic relief or something, served no purpose whatsoever. How about reality? Mom has a convertible and can afford platic surgery at every whim, but doesn't seem to ever get off the couch. The main character, who also directed, shows glimpses of talent but never blossoms into anything more than a robot. Her acting ability seems to have flatlines with Suburbia, but there her persona fit in with the film's context perfectly. All peripheral charaters and sub-plots are annoying as well, go nowhere, and don't add to the story at all. Cliches. Morons. Bad music. Token minority characters. T's all here. Good luck enduring this stew of festering manure.

Crisis at the Throne of Beauty

[pacrevelon · 10/10 · 17 December 2016]

Perfection is the most interesting indie film to come along in ages. The power of the film lies in its ability to portray really in depth character studies into the lives of LA society's misfits, has beens and losers. It focuses on the symbiotic relationship between a mother and daughter and the daughters subsequent inherited obsession with beauty. LA is a metaphor of a fantasy land and larger than life glamour worship where physical perfection can make or break you. This film exposes the deep underbelly of LA, its competitiveness and cruelty.

The Art Director created sad pathetic dives for the characters to meld with. Cristina Beck is an amazing director. Her choice of Robyn Peterson was a brilliant move. Her acting was spot on. She aptly portrays the deep inner conflicts of the fading glamour of a once great beauty buckling under the pressures of LA. Her confidence level swirls in a cocktail of one part each cheerful, social adept and lovely older woman mixed with an aging starlet cringing in morose self doubt. With all good intentions of being a good mother she can't help but succumb to the pressures of society. It's almost a male menopause gone bad to see her self destruct.

Kristabelle chooses off putting dowdy attire and projects a mousy personality which is so self conscious it's like she wishes to slide out of her own skin and slink into the shadows of her bedroom. Her self deprecation and physical torture exaggerates the pit of despair she has plunged herself into. Both actresses acted from a deep core of seriousness and quiet nuances. Although the daughter was the star of the movie, Robyn Peterson's strong contribution was pivotal and at times was what actually made the film.

Perfection is a thought provoking film. I strongly recommend it to all film mavens. It is a subtle, yet powerful Indie masterpiece.