Burning Kentucky

A great movie in which the characters and the script are both enthralling and relatable. The cinematography, untangling story and deep symbolism is incredibly well done. This is not an amateur low budget flick. Go see it! Love Burning Kentucky!

I LOVED this movie and Emilie Dhir's performance was truly amazing to watch. There are twists you won't see coming and the film keeps you on your toes the entire time! I have been excited to see this movie for over a year and it exceeded my expectations!

The darkness of us, our dark acts and rotting pasts juxtaposed against the haunting beauty of Kentucky landscapes. Harlan (my hometown) is the backdrop for a family mystery that unfolds itself like a tired and sad nightmare. Besides some sporadic cliche dialogue and regional stereotypes, this film is a serious piece of artwork directed by a talented woman with a promising future.

I was lucky enough to see this amazing film in theatres last July, and it was simply spectacular. Being a Kentuckian, I not only appreciated the beautiful locations chosen for the film, but the stunning cinematography used to emphasize our state's natural beauty. The film tells an intense and twisted love story that is unlike anything I've seen before. I would highly recommend watching this film, as getting to see it was one of the highlights of my summer.

I recently saw this film at the Kentucky Theatre during its Lexington, KY premiere. I can honestly say that after seeing the film, and having a few days to collect my thoughts, that this was a tremendously successful movie. While maintaining a believability and unforced honesty, writer/director Bethany Brooke Anderson crafts a homegrown story that does not lose energy while bouncing back and forth from the multiple personal stories of various Kentuckians. Ending in a tension filled climax, this story delivers an equal amount of "Bluegrass magic" and Hollywood thrills. The folk lore elements present make it something special. Possibly because it tells a story that hasn't been told, in a state that hasn't had the opportunity to truly present itself. This mystic side of the story really works, in part, thanks to a nuanced and understated performance from Emilie Dhir. Dhir brings a patient energy to the screen that is both calming and unsettling. John Pyper Ferguson and Augie Duke deliver powerful performances through their well written and complicated characters. We see them struggle with their internal demons while trapped in the "comfortability" of their longtime home. Overall, I'm so happy that I saw this film and that this story was told. Maybe even more important than its content, is the fact that it exists; serving as a staple for the incoming independent film scene in the state of Kentucky.

I had the privilege to see this film in LA at its last premier before release on iTunes and I am still thinking of the characters and the visuals many days later. As someone born in Appalachia, I can attest that this film beautifully captures the inherent opposition between the beauty of the landscape and the difficulty of life in small towns with little to no opportunity. I loved that this film threw away southern stereotypes and instead portrayed the characters as real, flawed, utterly raw individuals that the viewer was collectively rooting for and grieving for at every turn. There are elements of mountain fable, elements of Shakespeare, and a sense that this film could be from any recent decade, timeless and provoking. This is one I will watch again and again.

I am impressed to say the least. For an independent film, this one hits all the dramatic marks and yet manages a satisfying ending to tie up loose ends. The film has a very thoughtful and in-depth plot that kept me at the edge of my seat and jaw on the floor. I truly was not expecting such an exciting, emotional and entertaining movie. The actors were phenomenal and the details of each scene/character were impeccable. Foolish to skip over this movie. Absolutely captivating. 10/10 recommend.