While the themes of suicide and self-injury are prominent factors in “Blue,” the film does not fall into the traps of predictable plot devices or clichés (although there is a point in the story that feels rushed). Nor does this movie come off as being overly pretentious. Rather the movie’s central focus is on Helen and her relationships with meeting new people. There are several well-written scenes between Helen and Robert, which evoke both subtle brilliance and clever wittiness. Not to spoil too much, but my personal favorite is a moment where the two main characters visit a laser tag, have fun, and then share a joint afterwards. I mean, who hasn’t done this?
For an independent movie, “Blue” looks like a million-dollar picture. The cinematography is beautiful and stunning. The sets are clean and polished. And the editing is crisp and seamless. The score is minimalistic, primarily solo piano with light percussion. However, the “Zimmer” factor is a bit heavy in one key scene. This is a movie that proves what a group of talented filmmakers can make with a shoe-string budget. Most great movies are about people trying to resolve an issue. “Blue” is one of those films. This is a picture that demands our surrender to its’ acting, writing, filmmaking and above all its’ exploration of an issue that the media and society glaringly overlooks.