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The Independent Critic

STARRING
Carmen Berkeley, Reilly Walters, Michelle Macedo
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY
Carter Ward
MPAA RATING
NR
RUNNING TIME
98 Mins.
DISTRIBUTED BY
Independent
OFFICIAL IMDB

 Movie Review: Step Back, Doors Closing 
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From its opening moments, I'm pretty certain that you're going to enjoy writer/director Carter Ward's feature debut Step Back, Doors Closing. Early on, you can't help but fall in love with the film's co-leads, Carmen Berkeley's Julisa and Reilly Reilly Walters's Ryan. 

I suppose it's possible you'll think of other similarly structured films like Richard Linklater's Before films, though I found myself mostly reflecting on 80's rom-coms with their abundant heart, gentle humor, and nearly always winning characters. 

Set within an easily recognizable Washington, D.C., this is a film that draws us in quickly yet gently as Julisa arrives on a flight from Los Angeles that isn't exactly pleasant and proceeds to quickly experience a few setbacks on her way to trying to find a friend's apartment. Ryan's the native here, an attractive young lad with a spark in his eyes and the kind of personality that instantly makes you comfortable. In their opening moments, you don't just see these two together but you want to see these two together. 

Of course, there's a bit of a creepy factor in just the thought of a "pretty young woman gets lost in the big city only to encounter handsome young man." However, Ward isn't aiming for a creep factor and quickly puts ours and Julisa's minds at ease. This is a meet-cute for sure, the kind of spontaneous encounter many of us had in our twenties and the kind of encounter that never really works but always becomes a treasured memory for a lifetime. 

I'm not about to tell you where this one goes, however, Ward has certainly developed a winning story with people we absolutely enjoy. 

While the chemistry between Julisa and Ryan is undeniable, Ward keeps it believable with scenes of wariness, caution, and hints of maturity even amidst the spontaneity that often happens when sparks fly and they can't be denied. Berkeley is an absolute winner here, quietly charming with an impossibly beautiful tapestry if innocence, wonder, sizzle, and so much more. Berkeley's performance here is the kind of turn that makes you rush over to Letterboxd to check out her filmography. She's most definitely one to watch. 

Walters is also wonderful here, his Ryan having just exited a four-year relationship and possessing a hint of woundedness and an undeniable young adult swagger. He strikes me as a young McConaughey yet with some of McConaughey's later life maturity and calm. It's a strong performance that makes me want to watch his future work. 

Original music by Paloma Estevez perfectly aligns with Ward's narrative and emotional rhythms. Jimmy Ferguson's lensing is warm, comfortable, and immersive while capturing not just the blossoming of young romance but also the magic of a comfortable Washington D.C. 

Step Back, Doors Closing had its world premiere at L.A.'s Dances With Films and has also screened at Catalina Film Festival along with December's New York version of Dances With Films. This is a film that can easily have a lengthy journey on the indie film festival and should easily find a home with a quality indie distributor. 

If you get a chance, check it out. I promise you'll enjoy it. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic