Stanford Mail

You Never Really Know Who You Are

MOVIE REVIEW
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): Joseph Sackett
Writer(s): Joseph Sackett
Cast: Colby Minifie, Tre Ryder, Maria Dizzia
Where To Watch: releases theatrically at the Laemmle Theaters in Los Angeles on November 11, followed by a digital and exclusive Fandor release on December 6, 2022


RAVING REVIEW: Don’t let the poster fool you; there is much more here than meets the eye. As much to unpack and dissect as any film I’ve seen this year, a story within a story.


The film starts relatively straightforwardly with a bit of backstory and little understanding of where this roller-coaster will take us next. This narrative has been done before, but never in quite the way first-time feature-length director Joseph Sackett takes it.

I debated for quite a bit about whether I wanted to compare this to other films. I avoid comparisons because that borders on spoilers. Although in this situation, I think it’s more important to know what you’re getting to some extent. While reading the director’s statement, I saw they compared the film to BIG and FREAKY FRIDAY, so I felt it fair to share that. If you know anything about those films and what they have in common, you’ll have a base-level understanding of what this film is about.

This story has vastly different implications and a much more modern take. It’s essential that stories like this be told and shared; it allows for representation to be readily available for more than just your traditional “cast” of characters.

Speaking of casts, this was a two-person show with a sprinkling of others showing up throughout. Colby Minifie (THE BOYS, I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS) and Tre Ryder (JILL, THE WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS) do an incredible job with this script. Their unique (onscreen?) chemistry is undeniable, and there are moments that you want to laugh, cry, and applaud all at the same time.

This film was based on the director's short I WAS IN YOUR BLOOD (love that title), and this is what gives me hope. I want to see the story fleshed out and more of those characters; this came true in this instance, and hopefully, it will for many others! I see so many notable short films, and in the end, I’m left wanting more.

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