Little Woods

Little Woods tells the story of two down on their luck sisters struggling though life in rural America. Deb, played by Lily James, seems to make all the wrong choices while Ollie, played by Tessa Thompson, follows behind trying to clean up her mess while also struggling with her own past of being in the business of selling drugs. Ollie is nearing the end of her probation but the pressures of life are on and within days of her probation ending she only sees one way out of her current predicament with her sister.

Writer and director Nia DaCosta makes her big screen debut with Little Woods. Having written the film several years ago her film still finds traction in a world that is struggling with drug issues, reproductive rights, and everyday issues of being a woman living in a man’s world. It’s easy to imagine seeing DaCosta climb up the directorial ladder in Hollywood after Little Woods, not only is the story focused on the relationship of these two women but she is sure to show you a side of America that most just choose to ignore. We hope to see more from DaCosta in the future, she is set to helm the reboot of Candyman.

Thompson and James have such an amazing chemistry on screen together. Both pushing and pulling each other in opposite directions. Even if there is a distance between the characters you can feel the raw emotions of things that have happened in the past that lead them to where they are today. Thompson plays a character determined to survive, regardless of what it takes and demands your attention when she’s on screen. James plays on your emotions, making you feel such deep sympathies for women who have no choice but to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.

Little Woods debuted April 19 in big cities across America but the director and select guests are making their rounds in Los Angeles and New York for Q&As. Don’t miss out on being able to pick their brains. Little Woods is a staggering breath of air about real people who struggle even in the land of the free. Go support up and coming female filmmakers!

Little Woods
Written and Directed by Nia DaCosta
Produced by Rachael Fung, Tim Headington, Gabrielle Nadig
Starring Tessa Thompson, Lily James, Luke Kirby, James Badge Dale, Lance Reddick
Music by Brian McOmber
Cinematography Matt Mitchell
Edited by Catrin Hedström
Production companies ; Automatik, Buffalo Picture House, Extra A Productions, Stonebois Entertainment, Tango Entertainment, Water's End Productions
Distributed by Neon
Release date : April 21, 2018 (Tribeca), April 19, 2019 (United States)
Running time: 105 minutes

Watched: Nuart theater, Los Angeles 4.19.19

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