The Exploding Girl

Running time: 79 mins

Romance heats up the New York summer.

Ivy (Zoe Kazan of Revolutionary Road and It?s Complicated) is back from college for summer break, but finds that she is going to be playing host to longtime friend Al (Mark Rendall), whose parents have thoughtfully rented out his room. While Ivy spends her time pining and playing phone tag with absent boyfriend Greg, the attraction between Ivy and Al becomes apparent?a bond neither is aware of or at least willing to admit exists. As the lines of friendship blur and the emotional pot begins to boil, it is only a matter of time before Ivy must release the pressure.

Produced with his partner, So Yong Kim (Treeless Mountain), director/writer Bradley Rust Gray (Salt) has crafted a rich and sweet tale of the start of a love affair that is quietly beautiful. With an exquisitely nuanced and inspired performance, Kazan lends an incredible vulnerability to Ivy in this delicate and honest portrait of a young woman at a threshold.

? Tamee Tanoor