Restless (2011) – Review

Starring: Henry Hooper, Mia Wasikowska, Ryo Kase

Annabel Cotton (Mia Wasikowska,( Alice from Alice in Wonderland) is a terminally ill Cancer Kid Kid with Cancer who has a love of life and nature. Enoch Brae (Henry Hopper, (Son of the late Dennis Hopper) Is a young man who has cut himself off from the real world after the death of his parents, A young man whose best friend is Hiroshi (Ryo Kase) the ghost of a Kamikaze pilot. A Young man who rather than go to school or do things a typical teenager does now frequents funerals. When Enoch attends one such funeral he meets Annabel. Soon the pair is inseparable making the most of Annabels final time while developing their relationship, knowing full well that Annebels time here is short.

Restless is a surprisingly unique and moving story, with two very quirky leads who do a stellar job of bringing both Annabel and Enoch to life. Hopper in his feature debut captures the essence of a troubled teen, Initially Enoch seems like just a weird kid with some serious mental issues but through his time with Annie he is able to reveal what has caused this to happen. While Wasikowskas turn as Annabel is stunning she is able to bring a beautiful frailty yet strength in spirit that one could only hope to capture in her situation. The curveball in the story and what truly makes the film great is Hiroshi; Kase delivers a stoic and funny portrayal as the Kamikaze pilot with a penchant for battleship who gave up his own love for national duty.

Van Sant proves once again that he possesses a deft touch with unconventional material, bringing a coming of age love story to the screen that slaps the Twilight series across the face. Enoch and Annabel are what Edward and Bella wish to be.

An emotional film that shows no matter the situation you find yourself in, If you desire to, you can make it your own.

A fantastic cast, a great story and enough emotional weight to make me cry like a little school girl.

Grade- 92