We are living in quite the unique time from a generational standpoint. Because it can be safely said that for the first time ever in modern society, that there has never been such the divide between the various generations. For the generation that came before, really does have a different view of the world and it’s worth to them and others. To the point where they so desperately want old traditions to continue, and they want to hold tight to items that they worked so hard to obtain, and pass them down as was done for them, and their fight to keep all that alive exists… because of the next generation and their particular views on the world.
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For they don’t believe quite as much in the value of material items and are eager to shed them if they don’t serve a sustainable purpose anymore. And of course, they are eager to change old traditions that they feel no longer serve the public in a beneficial manner, and well… that conflict continues to grow, and it does leave one to wonder… can we find common ground? Wherein the last generation isn’t so desperate to hang onto what once was and where the new generation can honor what came before them in a manner that doesn’t keep toxicity alive? Well, it just so happens that a beautiful short feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival answers those questions in A Better Place.

A feat this film accomplishes by introducing us to a young man named Henry. Who lives in the city and has made quite the life for himself working with a real estate development company, and when we meet him, here, he’s come home to his family’s farm for the weekend. In part to check in on his parents, but also… to provide them with quite the offer. For his firm wants the land and they are ready to pay to have that land. But alas, Tzu-Yi and Lisa, his father and mother, respectively, have little interest in selling. For they want their legacy in this place to stand, and they want what they built to be handed off and kept up in the noblest manner possible. Which brings forth, a tense weekend where two generations will ponder upon the power of progress, and the importance of nostalgia.

All of which brings forth, a magnificent feature that properly explores the divide in question. Since we do see Tzu-Yi and Lisa, fight hard to maintain what they earned, what they believe is their sole gift to their son to make sure they are forever honored. Whereas Henry makes it clear that time marches on and that this is a chance to give them real comfort and real joy since the money will do so much and they can make new memories in a new home, and honor the past in comfort  Which brings forth a powerful bit of conflict where neither side wants to listen to the other, and that… is our source problem. In that, two generations want their way and aren’t willing to compromise or speak to one another on the matter.

Of course, this film does take the time to build upon that and showcase that despite our differences, yes, we can find common ground. Provided that we first take that all-important time to listen to one another’s concerns about what’s happening in life and what we want out of it… and find compromise. Such as say, learning how to honor what is actually important and meaningful for the last generation. So, they feel their efforts are not in vain and that a legacy exists for them. As for the next generation, it’s all about being open to change and hearing new perspectives and coming to understand there are other paths forward than the old ways, and when both sides can have that, a better place can be found.

If anything, all of these elements bring forth, a powerful and beautiful feature. One that is so incredibly timely. For this is the divide we face in 2024, and this is a divide that is seemingly endless. But this does give us a way forward, one that we should enact in our lives as soon as possible. Because our own parents have an idea of what they want to leave behind, and we all have a path we want to forge ahead, and that message comes courtesy of a film that truly examines this in an organic and realistic manner. One complete with compelling performances and nuanced moments that speak to how there is common ground to be found, if we take a moment to listen to one another for a change, and really hear what the other side has to say.

Caution: This article contains discussions regarding suicide and suicidal ideation, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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Despite the fact that we live in an era where science and society is finally turning its attention to mental health and our need to maintain it with the same urgency and care as our physical health, there are some topics on the matter that are still seen as taboo in nature. Such as suicide and suicidal ideation, and well… it does make sense as to why we shy away from discussing such matters. After all, the thought of someone wanting to end their life is unnatural to us. Because we are taught to cherish life and do what must be done to preserve it, especially our own. Not to mention, there’s so much beauty in this world, it makes no sense as to why someone would decide this. 

Plus, it’s just scary. Scary to think that someone would be ready and willing to think about their own death, much less carry it out, and that fear makes it all impossible to comprehend. But the fact of the matter is, there are people in this world that really feel as though that solution is their only hope, and we have to stop holding to stigmas and fears about such matters and address the reality that people feel this way and want to make this decision. So that we can properly understand what leads to this and work to prevent it through real help to those in need and well, it just so happens… that a motion picture that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival… works to offer understanding on such a concern, and that makes I Hate Myself and Want to Die an important feature. 

One that takes the time to introduce us to a man named Jacob who has made quite the decision when we meet him, here. In that, he’s ready to die. He’s had enough of life, of his failures and now seems like the right time to just leave what little he has to his close friend, Russell, and just fade from this life. But his attempt to end his life, does not go according to plan. Not to mention, before he can make another attempt, his mother and others come calling and are in need of his help. Which frustrates Jacob to no end but does not stop him from stepping in and giving others a few more minutes with him. Because despite being derailed, he still has a plan to exit this life, the only question is whether or not he can keep his plans a secret. Since deep down he knows doubt will creep in if someone takes him to task over his dark decision.

Which is a plot that perfectly explores the nature of suicidal ideation. Since we are plunged into the middle of Jacob’s struggles and that does help us to come to understand what motivates people to want to end their lives. Granted, this isn’t the be all understanding, but we are able to understand that great failures and rejection and a lack of self and external worth… can devastate a person’s psyche and put them in Jacob’s shoes. Where they feel there’s no point in going on and that’s powerful to say the least. Since that’s more exploration and discovery than most stories put forth regarding this matter, and it is presented to us in a frank manner, so that we see these kinds of struggles in an objective light. Which helps to remove stigma and taboo, and above all, helps us to recognize symptoms and how we can help.
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What that looks like, we will get to in a moment, because we need to further deconstruct how the story makes these lessons so incredibly impactful. In that, the movie also makes use of humor to properly explore such matters and that’s huge. Because humor disarms a mind and removes worry and discomfort. Which allows for the information we receive to stick, and it allows for some entertainment to come into play so that the story never overwhelms and never makes one uncomfortable. That is of course, no small feat. Since this remains a tough topic, and in many ways, the comedy here should serve as a blueprint as to how other stories down the line can better examine this topic and get their point across regarding it. 

But for the sake of this story, such approaches make it clear… these struggles are very real, and that when someone is down and hurting badly… we should not just leave them to their own devices and hope they’re okay when they’re hurting so badly. We should step in, check on them, remind them that we cherish them. Because that can make a world of difference. Will it solve the problem? And save everyone? Likely not, but it is more than we are doing now, and we need to start somewhere to stimulate change, and that is why this movie is so important. Because it acknowledges the problem, it acknowledges that these thoughts and actions exist, and it tasks us to do more. Feel more. Think about others for a change and that brings forth a powerful feature. One that does indeed make us laugh, and cry and it will stay with you for a LONG time. Courtesy of a stunning story, filled with amazing performances, that informs us that the best way to let go of our fears of losing someone to something so dark… is by embracing that person and showing them the value they add to the world.

Something that is genuinely fascinating about popular culture, is how friendships are portrayed in television and film. For they are often showcased in one of two ways. They are either healthy and mature or outright messy and it makes sense as to why these polarizing traits are put on display. For one is designed to remind us of the importance of healthy friendships and what they can do for us in our time of need. While the other usually exists to provide us with a hard lesson about how not all friendships last and we need boundaries and maturity to be injected into them… or we need to jettison that relationship from our lives.
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But what truly makes this so fascinating, is how wrong both of those portrayals are. Because friendships are in fact… both things at the same. For real friends, will be that mature guiding light when we need to hear some hard truths and some hard facts about our journey. But real friends will also confide in us some messed up thoughts and get messy in the dirt with us when the going gets tough. Because real friendship is messy, and real friendship withstands all challenges and that needs to be showcased more in television and film, and thankfully, director Victoria Negri, felt the need to do just that by way of a short feature she crafted, which recently screened at the Austin Film Festival, in Mermaid, Bitch.

Which is a story that introduces us to Lily, who is going through quite the unique period in her life when we meet her, here. Mainly because she’s awakened from a night on the town, transformed. Not in the metaphysical sense mind you, but courtesy of the fact that the lower half of her body has been replaced with a mermaid’s tail. Which of course, puts her into a panic, one that prompts her to call her closest friend Ruby to her apartment, to help her deal with the fact that she is now a mythical creature. A reality that will bring forth a long day for these besties, one that will challenge their flawed friendship like never before but also help them to understand… the wonder of their bond and how little will ever be able to break it.

Which gives rise, to an amazing feature. One that let’s be honest, is about as original and unique as it gets. Because there are just no stories out there that this writer can think of, where someone just wakes up one day transformed in this manner. Which in turn, allows for some real comedy to take place in this feature. Since it also makes the point of showcasing how wild such a transformation would be and the struggles it would bring about in everyday life. Since we don’t give much thought to how we would navigate stairs or simple travel without the use of our legs. But of course, there is more to this story than the fantastical, for as mentioned… it does dive deep into some amazing concepts regarding friendship.
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In fact, this film showcases a supremely realistic friendship. Wherein that brutal honesty is present, since Ruby has a lot to say about the situation, but also shows us that messy side of friendships we don’t like to talk about. Wherein we sometimes fight with our closest friends and where we struggle to find common ground when the situation is polarizing, and where things can get ugly and stressful between us and our BFFL. But we never worry about them not being at our side, because messy is where the best friendships thrive, and it helps us to find a way forward with them, and well, this story deserves a round of applause for showing us a realistic friendship, in all its sometimes-co-dependent glory and for making it clear that they have to harbor good and bad to be productive.

All of which brings together, a wonderfully refreshing story. One that really is special and creative and features some lovely performances from co-writer Alexi Pappas (Lily) and Ruby McCollister (Ruby), that sell the wild nature of this story, and the magnificent wonder of friendships. Because truly, it’s majesty is on display here, and all of this works, courtesy of co-writer/director Victoria Negri. Who found a way to make all of this believable, since the mermaid half of Lily can stand in for just about any struggle friends encounter and well, that makes this a delightful film. One that is really is filled with depth and lighthearted moments that work, and finally puts what friendships really look like on display in a medium that rarely gives them their due.

If there is one particular question that we often ask ourselves in this life, it would have to be… what does one have to do to feel happy and fulfilled? Because deep down we all know that waking up in the morning with a sense of glee and a sense of purpose, goes a long way. It makes us productive; it aids our mental and physical health and above all, it signals that we’ve done something wondrous with our life. Something that truly makes us feel as though we are leaving our mark and doing something special. But we also ask ourselves that question, because… well… we aren’t there quite yet, and we aren’t exactly in the best place when we do ponder upon it.
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Because there is a fight to get to that point. One that involves setbacks and failures and moments that seemingly keep us down, and sometimes we ponder upon that question because our physical and mental health are in the tank, and we want that to end. We want to feel better. But alas, that’s where we are in that moment, rudderless and worried about finding peace and well, what does go into finding what we want when we are in a place where we aren’t happy or fulfilled? What specific steps start moving us toward that better tomorrow and better place? Well as it turns out, there are far simpler steps than we know to make that happen, and they are explored in a magnificent motion picture that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival in Lady Parts.

All of which, this story accomplishes, by introducing us to a writer named Paige who is at a crossroads in her life. In part because, her career is moving at a snail’s pace, and she knows that if given the chance she could do some amazing things as a writer in Hollywood. But also, because she just doesn’t feel well mentally or physically. For she’s dealt with one failed relationship after another, and intimacy in her relationships is a chore and painful to boot. Which leaves her wondering, what could be done to feel better, and a consult with a doctor… offers her one potential solution. In that, a potential surgery to clear up what’s causing the physical pain in her vagina, could be the start of a new chapter. Provided of course, she can stomach leaving her dreams behind at a critical moment to move back in with her parents to heal and reset.

Which is… the perfect way to answer those all-important questions. Because Paige goes on a powerful healing journey in this story. One where she solves a physical problem and in being forced to rest and reflect, she begins to work on healing herself as well. Which allows for her to refocus her passion, think upon what she wants out of life and well, that leads to those critical answers we seek. In that, we won’t find peace and fulfillment by way of our career path or through coping through pain. We find it… by taking care of ourselves. By healing physically and mentally and by learning to love the person we see in the mirror every single day. For when we do that, we find peace, we find we are okay with who we are and then we can go out and achieve wonders, and that’s a wonderful answer/message to find in this film.
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One that believe it or not, offers so much more than just an uplifting message about self-love and healing. For this is also, a bold feature. In large part, because this story takes the time to address women’s sexuality and desire, and how we (men) often in this life, put a ton of pressure upon women to be objects of desire and be receptive to all things sexual. Regardless of what they are feeling or what they need emotionally and physically, and that’s definitely bold and new to see in film since sexuality from a women’s perspective is so taboo, as is the other important aspect of this film. In that, it also speaks to women’s health on a level that few stories ever have, and that’s huge. Because there should be no mystique around women’s health because everyone’s health is important and struggles with it are natural, and it is refreshing to see this story point that out in a frank manner. 

All of which brings forth, a brilliant feature. One that is deeply relatable, since we will or have asked the very question that Paige does here, and we will go on our own journey to find that personal peace and fulfillment. Not to mention, it is so wonderful that this film takes the time to showcase women’s health and their sexuality in a frank and direct manner that shatters stigma, and it even ponders upon the complexities of family. All of which comes courtesy of writer Bonnie Gross’ lovely script, and Nancy Boyd’s wonderful direction. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this movie features nuanced and layered performances from its cast, with Valentina Tammaro leading the charge as Paige, and her performance, and the work of the supporting cast just adds to the richness of a beautiful story. One that reminds us that happiness starts from within, and the sooner we heal ourselves, the faster we get to where we want to be.