Stockton to Table Rock is a thought-provoking indie film that needs to be seen
by Nav Qateel
Coming-of-age drama Stockton to Table Rock covers the unhealthy relationship between mother, Shelly, and daughter, Rori. Shelly deals with minor health issues, alcoholism and a less than ideal social life, with Rori about to graduate while navigating high school as a traumatized young gay woman.
Written by Zoë Kelly, with additional writing from Chuck Norton and director Elliot Norton, Stockton to Table Rock is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that covers important topics that most people can relate to in some manner. Rori, performed wonderfully by Zoë Kelly, has been left mentally scarred after years of abuse whilst very young at the hands of her mother.
Even though Shelly would eventually stop the abuse, the damage has been done, and now Rori has great difficulty dealing with general interactions with people at school, and even lashes out at her girlfriend when triggered by certain words. This points to PTSD and bipolar disorder, making it hard for Rori to function normally in the small town where she lives. Shelly is also in denial so Rori is unable to get her to open up about their past.
Elliot Norton paces this film in a precise manner, allowing us to take in the drama as it unfolds making it better to digest, because this type of story is very much about feelings as it is about entertainment. Lead actor Zoë Kelly, as the central character does some heavy lifting remarkably well, and was extremely convincing as the damaged Rori. In fact, Kelly was so convincing at times it felt like I was watching a documentary, and for a small budget production this is not as common as I’d like.
As Shelly, Jessica Ires Morris also gave a noteworthy performance playing Rori’s complicated mother. This is the sort of role that needs to be handled in a certain way to pull off, otherwise Kelly’s performance wouldn’t have the same impact during the mother daughter interactions, arguably the most important scenes in the entire film. But thanks to Norton’s direction, the acting was always on point.
The supporting cast were also a joy to watch, like girlfriend Hailey, played by Gabrielle Lenberg a first-timer at working in front of a camera, and Ms Laird, performed by Brooke Burton. In fact, the cast each helped elevate this drama, keeping it grounded and believable. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stockton to Table Rock helped launch a career or two. Let’s hope the right people get to see Norton’s effort.
Highly Recommended
Nav’s Grade: A
