Two Lives in Pittsburgh (2023) User Reviews

Brilliant, touching film about family and acceptance!

[Ztips2 · 9/10 · 10 November 2023]

A must watch for anyone from Pittsburgh! The Burgh actually feels like a character in this movie. Truly an amazing film to see, especially when paired with a Q&A with the film-making team. Saw it at Film Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Film Festival!

The poignant message of acceptance and living your truth is beautifully paired with a hilarious cast. Some moments had me cracking up, while others brought tears to my eyes. The acting is excellent, though the child actor is a bit raw (as expected from a 12-year-old in their first proper role). I'm looking forward to recommending this film to everyone I know! Go see this movie!

Learning

[pabdasnoots · 7/10 · 23 November 2023]

This movie was good! Very enjoyable. Pittsburgh is HEAVILY featured. This film won't let you forget that it's set in Pittsburgh. Pretty much every shot has something black and gold in it.

The script is clever and well-written. Dialogue is as natural as it can be, while acting is also pretty solid.

Where this film's weak spot is lies within the story. It has a narrative and the characters are interesting, but it's coherent at best. It's a collection of events about a young trans girl named Maddie. However, it's her coming out saga through the lens of her father and grandma trying to understand and accept her. There are a few moments of conflict and the level they are at are done EXTREMELY well, (the garage after Bernie finds out what's happening at school, the front-yard drag show, etc.) These moments are great, but, there isn't much done with it-- it falls before anything happens.

There's a few dynamics that feel like there should have been more context to or more of a set-up for it to feel like an actual payoff. (For example, the letter that Clara leaves after she passes. I would do the whole funeral scene/ explaining the significance of the letter/ what it contains WAY differently. I can't explain too much without spoiling.)

Overall, this movie is a great representation of the (potential) struggle of a semi-conservative blue-collar worker who's kid is trans. Needs a bit more polish, however, it's worth a watch if it's playing at your local festival.

Brilliant, Heartwarming and Funny

[keizler · 17 April 2024]

I was blown away how much I liked this movie. The acting was so good, the storyline really surprised me at the end. It is a heartwarming story about families and how to learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. I am from Pittsburgh and it made me think about all the people I grew up With and this film Nailed Pittsburgh and peoples views. If it is at a film festival near you run to see it, don't walk!!!

I liked how the character's developed and continually surprised the audience in ways that were not expected. The Grandmother was the best for comedy and surprises. The father was a true Pgh guy.