Indie Gems: The End of Love

Priorities.

Mark (Mark Webber) is a struggling actor and single dad trying to take care of his two year old son, Isaac. (Webber's actual child, Isaac Love) He's not getting any parts, a failed audition with Amanda Seyfried is shown early in the film, and he can't pay his roommates rent. Since Isaac's mother died, he's struggled with relationships. He meets woman named Lydia (Shannyn Sossamon) who runs a children's play center who is slightly awkward and shows her interest in him, but he jumps into things too quickly.

Mark and Isaac's interactions feel so natural. Obviously, because they really are father and son and Webber centered filming around Isaac, but it's refreshing to see that play out on screen. Sometimes it's easy to pick out overly coached moments with child actors and everything flows so organically in this film. It's fun to watch. The opening scene of Isaac simply waking up is presented so brilliantly. The film does lose its way a bit during a scene where Mark attends a party at his friend Michael Cera's house. (Aubrey Plaza, Alia Skawkat, Michael Angarano, and Jake Johnson also make appearances) But once Mark gets back with Isaac, it finds its footing again. 

I've been a fan of Webber's for awhile. Both his acting and directing. It's nice to finally see this film which clearly means so much to him.

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "Are you talking to Daddy the fish or Daddy the dad?" - Mark (Mark Webber)