Allswell Review: Character-Driven Drama Is Poignant & Moving [Tribeca]

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There is something about character-driven dramas that gets to the heart of the human experience, turning a simple, yet effective, movie into more of an emotional ride for audiences. Directed by Ben Snyder from a screenplay by Elizabeth Rodriguez (who also stars), Allswell captures the beauty of a heartfelt, and generally well-told character-driven drama. The film brings the drama, but it’s never overdone and the performances from the cast elevate the material, adding dimensions to the characters’ lives.

Set in New York, Allswell follows the lives of sisters Daisy (Rodriguez), Ida (Liza Colón-Zayas), and their sister-in-law Serene (Daphne Rubin-Vega). Daisy left a long-term abusive relationship prior to the start of the film and is expecting a child via a surrogate, Nina (Mackenzie Lansing), who Daisy has invited into her home for the last couple of months of her pregnancy. Ida is in a stable relationship with her partner, Ray (Michael Rispoli), but is having a rough time after her coworker and friend Clint (J. Cameron Barnett) is fired. Meanwhile, Serene is trying to bridge the gap with Constance (Shyrley Rodriguez), her rebellious, distant, and angsty daughter. They each rely on each other in different ways, but are faced with another hardship when their estranged brother Desmond (Felix Solis), who is also Serene’s husband, comes back into their lives.

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Allswell understands that not all stories have conclusive endings, or even proper closure. To that end, the film allows the characters to sit in their decisions, their mistakes, regrets, sadness, and joy. It’s unconcerned with tying up loose ends so much as it is a snapshot of these