Nov. 25, 2016|United States|85 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;Horror;Mystery;Thriller
Description: “Always Shine” (2016) is a gripping film that explores the complexities of friendship and rivalry. The story follows Beth, an actress who is gaining commercial success through roles in cinematic thrillers and beer commercials, often requiring nudity. She decides to spend a weekend getaway in Big Sur with her best friend Anna, a struggling actress who mostly works unpaid in student films.
During their trip, Beth is recognized by a fan, and Anna discovers that Beth has been featured in a prominent magazine’s “Young Hollywood” edition. As the weekend progresses, tensions rise. Anna confesses that she ended her relationship with her boyfriend after a heated altercation with his boss. Later, at a bar, Anna flirts with an older man who loses interest when Beth leaves. The man then secretly approaches Beth, inviting her on a date, which Anna witnesses, leaving her heartbroken.
The following day, Anna helps Beth prepare for an upcoming audition, revealing her own superior acting skills. While hiking, they meet Beth’s director friend, who expresses interest in casting Anna in his upcoming short film. Anna is upset to learn that Beth had known about this opportunity but never mentioned it. This discovery deepens the growing rift between the two friends.
Beth later calls her boyfriend, admitting that she lied about submitting Anna’s reel to her agent and criticizing Anna out of jealousy. Overhearing this, Anna confronts Beth, leading to a physical altercation that forces Beth to flee into the woods. The conflict escalates, and the next day, Anna begins to imitate Beth’s behavior and style. She encounters the bartender from earlier, who mistakes her for Beth, and the two spend time together, blurring the lines between their identities.
The film delves into themes of envy, identity, and the dark side of ambition, presenting a tense and thought-provoking narrative.
Cast director: Sophia Takal
Cast actor: Mackenzie Davis, Caitlin Fitzgerald, Lawrence Michael Levine, Khan Baykal, Alexander Koch, Michael Lowry, Colleen Camp, Jane Adams, Julian Tolentino, Mason Foster
Original name: Always Shine