There's no question that the 16-minute dramatic short Love You Forever is a powerful directing debut for Alexandrea Meyer, who also writes and stars in this remarkably rendered effort that isn't quickly forgotten. 

Meyer is Shannon, a young woman whom we are introduced to in what at first appears to be the joyous occasion of her soon to be entry into motherhood. Love You Forever explores the complicated and layered world of women and trauma. The film, according to Meyer, incorporates visual and sonic elements inspired by EMDR therapy, a psychotherapy technique designed to alleviate the distress of traumatic memories. In Love You Forever, Meyer explores the definition of motherhood and of female madness. It's a film that crawls into your psyche and lingers. Shannon's pain is inward, her facade both familiar yet also disturbing. When we here her baby crying, there's an eeriness to the piercing emotions even as Shannon comforts the child with a lullaby that comforted many of us. 

As the story unfolds, layers are stripped away and we begin to understand but perhaps not entirely. There are moments of serenity and moments of gut-wrenching vulnerability and soulshaking trauma. 

Amidst it all, Meyer gives a remarkable performance as Shannon, whose isolation is jarring. Without knowing Meyer's motivation, I'll confess that the children's book Love You Forever played in the back of my mind throughout the film. It's a book I've never loved, unhealthy in its emotional expressions and constantly uncomfortable. I experience the same here, a disjointed sense of presence that constantly feels off-kilter. 

While Love You Forever is for the most part a one-woman show, Meyer's performance is aided by the remarkable lensing of Olivia Kimmel and Hugo Fabry's emotionally resonant and immersive original score. The production design by Payton Jane reinforces Meyer's chaotic calm whirlwind of storytelling. 

After an extended indie fest run, Love You Forever is winding down its festival journey and is definitely worth a view if you get the chance. I'll definitely be watching for what Alexandrea Meyer does next.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic