Love, loss, and hope are tumultuously explored amidst a tranquil backdrop.

From New York, siblings Laura and Elliot rush to their childhood home to spend time with their dying mother. Old wounds, unfulfilled dreams, and a stranger in the midst complicate what should be a time of forgiveness. Can the two siblings get there before their mother says goodbye?

“Naked As We Came” was a funny title, I thought at first, looking at the poster beside a poorly written synopsis. I had no idea what this film was about, except maybe it was porn. But a friend recommended it to me so with a sigh, I delved in.

The setting, the slow plot reveal, and superb actors washed away all my doubts about the film. The cleverly written story coupled with excellent cinematography makes me hooked on the screen. Lilly (Lue McWilliams) here is dying, and her two children Laura (Karmine Alers) and Elliot (Ryan Vigilant) drive from New York to be with her on her last days. It was a typical story: a bad mother who wanted to make amends, family drama, and eventually, forgiveness. But all of these were masterfully unfolded throughout the film, and Ted (Benjamin Weaver), a groundskeeper, is the one guy who makes the story more interesting.

The”Naked As We Came” explores family relationships in a subtle way. Ted and Elliot’s relationship keeps the gears running for the unfolding drama. Love, loss, and the importance of dreams all discussed here on a new light.

Geek Rate

Geek Rate: Mortal Worthy (3 out of 5 stars). The simplicity of the film is what makes it work: the four characters smoking pot under a clear blue sky, Laura singing on a quiet night, Ted and Elliot’s conversations. There’s some melodrama in the story (which can’t be helped) with a ‘what the eff is that?’ subplot. But overall, “Naked As We Came” is a nice surprise.