“East of Wall”

“East of Wall” is a quiet, understated film that blends documentary and fiction in a way that’s a bit of a mixed bag. I’m not usually a fan of this genre mashup, and unfortunately, this film didn’t entirely change my mind. I did find a lot to enjoy in its heartfelt and empathetic story, however.

The film tells the story of tattooed horse trainer Tabatha (Tabatha Zimiga), a young widow who is struggling with grief and financial hardship while trying to take care of a group of troubled teenagers on her broken-down ranch in the Badlands. It’s a deeply human story, one rooted in the struggles of real people navigating complex emotions and situations.

Featuring a cast of mostly nonprofessional actors, the real-life subjects play versions of themselves in the film. This means the performances are more than a bit rough around the edges in terms of acting, especially when compared to the professional performances from the pair of pros (the always-reliable Scoot McNairy and Jennifer Ehle).

What stands out the most here is the empathy that writer / director Kate Beecroft infuses into the film. You can feel her heart is in the right place, and she’s genuinely invested in telling a meaningful story.

The dynamics between Tabatha and the group of girls she takes in are touching, and the film does a beautiful job of exploring grief, healing, and the bonds that form in unexpected circumstances. There’s a warmth and humanity that shines through, especially when the camera lingers on the small, intimate moments that tell us more about these characters than words ever could.

Beecroft too often relies on the heavy use of musical montages while focusing on horse riding and rodeo events. While the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Badlands make for beautiful visuals, these montages feel repetitive and start to weigh down the overall flow of the film. She may be attempting to inject energy into the narrative, but it detracts from the things about the movie that work so well.

Despite these hiccups, “East of Wall” is still an engaging and compassionate film. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but the performances and the rawness of the story carry it through. While the documentary-fiction hybrid isn’t quite my thing, Beecroft’s debut feature is a testament to the power of human connection and the generosity of spirit. It’s a slow burn, but for those who appreciate subtle, character-driven stories, it offers a glimpse into a world where reinvention and healing are possible, even in the most unlikely places.

By: Louisa Moore