D R, 105 m PG-13, 85 m with Addie Land, Cara Seymour, Mary Kay Place and Bruce Davison. Written and directed by Enid Zentelis. Opens tomorrow only in AMC theaters.
How far will you go to get what you want?
This independent film begins by portraying 14-year-old Henri, short for Henrietta, as green with envy. She and her mother, Kate, wind up living in Henri's Latvian grandmother's shoddy, humble home while trying to find themselves.
"Evergreen" has its quirks, but most of its few laughs will come from this proud Latvian. Kate and Henri seem to be the typical mother and daughter: a close, independent duo in need of assistance to get back on their feet. Henri acquires more and more shame and abhorrence for her mother and their current state as the movie progresses.
In this new town, both mother and daughter find a man. Henri finds her interest, Chat, at school. He seems to live a stable, wealthy life, despite his agoraphobic mother and chronic gambler father. Needless to say, Henri finds out that it's not such a glamorous life, but only after she becomes obsessively involved with Chat.
On the other hand, Kate's boyfriend, Jim, prides himself on the shabby car he repaired himself. Jim and Kate's bond is meant to be romantic, but the emotions are not believable. His character mimics the good guy image and it seems that he somehow actually strengthens Henri and her mother's relationship at the end of the flick.
Actually, why even say "the end?" In fact, this movie doesn't end. It gives you a "six months later" glimpse, after which the credits come on without the director finishing the movie. It's easy to see why the film is independent, but what doesn't make sense is why AMC would be willing to associate its name with the word "Evergreen"
