There are a number of reasons why Derek Shane Garcia's A/way is a successful motion picture, though it likely begins with the understated wonder of Rosie McDonald's performance as Anna Gallo. Anna is a travel journalist feeling somewhat stagnant in her career. On the heels of having experienced a profound loss, Anna is sent on an assignment to the island nation of Martinique. It is here where Anna is sparked into a candid reflection of her unsettled life. 

It's not often that I have a film actually shot in Martinique cross my desk. Truthfully, I'm not sure it has ever happened. Producer Marc Enette is from Martinique, a fact that opened the door to this inspired, beautiful locale that comes to life not just because of the beauty of Martinique but also because of the beauty of its people. 

Back to McDonald. McDonald is quite the wonder here, her quiet vulnerability and natural performance perfectly aligning with scenes where she's collaborating with non-actor Martinique locals. 

Garcia, whose film background began in documentary film production, has crafted a film that hints at that background while thriving within narrative storytelling. This is a unique film, experimental yet feeling natural throughout its 62-minute running time. 

Before its streaming release with indie distributor Unique DnA Films, A/way experienced a successful indie fest run including prizes for Best Narrative Feature, Performance, and Director at its world premiere at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival. Other fest screenings included Dances With Films in New York, the Ocean City Film Festival and others. 

Liam Lee deserves kudos for the film's lensing, though it would certainly be difficult to make Martinique look anything less than glorious. Composers Ginger Dolden and Pete Lanctot do a nice job of creating an accompaniment to the film's emotional rhythms. 

As somone who recently experienced my own significant loss, I've seemed to have been inundated lately by films centered around loss and grief. However, A/way is about more and it's involving to watch this story and McDonald's performance come so beautifully to life. 

Available for streaming via most of your major streaming platforms, A/way is worth your time to check out. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic