Academy Award nominee Lesley Ann Warren stars in “Olive,” in the new short film directed and written by Tom Koch, who also stars as Sam.
The synopsis is: While caring for grandmother, Sam begins to question the nature of their relationship.
Lesley Ann Warren’s acting as the grandmother in “Olive” is emotional, deep, and it runs the gamut… she is not afraid to be raw and vulnerable, and her vulnerability is the viewer’s reward. She layers her emotions well, and the audience will be in for a treat.
Warren’s transcendent performance is equal in excellence to that of Tony winner Maryann Plunkett in “The Notebook” musical on Broadway with elements of Julie Christie in “Away from Her” and Gloria Stuart in “Titanic.”
Tom Koch’s direction and vision are both solid, and he is able to balance the moments of reality and imagination. It has a twist and turn that nobody will see coming (compliments to Koch’s compelling screenplay).
With Tom Koch as Sam, it is evident that a star is born, and it is only a matter of time before the whole contemporary entertainment scene knows his name as a filmmaker and storyteller.
Koch and Warren’s affecting rapport allows for more resonance. Everybody in this small but tight-knit case is able to bring something distinct and important to the story.
The musical score, which features such songs as the Edith Piaf classic “La Foule,” Charles Aznavour’s “Heir Encore,” and “Ces Petits Riens” helps elevate the movie to a higher level.
The Verdict
Overall, “Olive” is a captivating new short film by Tom Koch starring a sublime Lesley Ann Warren. It is not afraid to push the envelope, and it will certainly spark conversations among the audience.
It tackles the subject matter of Alzheimer’s with much delicacy, authenticity, and sentimentalism; moreover, it is able to shed light on such values as love, family, memory, connection, longing, and the human condition in an organic and refreshing manner.
There is an intimacy to this project, where viewers will forget that they are watching a short film, and it will feel as if they are experiencing life with them (in their home). Prepare to be blown away.
This is a movie that deserves to be nominated at next year’s Academy Awards. It should be up for everything and it should be winning everything. “Olive” garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done.
