Life and Nothing More
CFI Releasing | Release Date: October 24, 2018
8.3
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 20 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
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17
Mixed:
2
Negative:
1
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User Reviews

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9
BrendenElliottFeb 22, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The ambitions of this film are likely keeping Walter Murch up at night, and I mean that in the best possible way. Antonio Mendez Esparza’s direction defies traditional editing techniques, where Murch originally stated that a film’s cuts should coincide with the blinking of all audience members in a dark theater. If this holds true, then you better bring eye drops with you to Life and Nothing More! Esparza is seemingly insistent that long takes are the norm in his newest drama piece, which only adds realism to a film that is already brutally honest in its depiction of low-income life in the U.S. Life and Nothing More is the crème de la crème of modern experimental film for its willingness to challenge traditional cinematic conventions.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
ThomasSmithFeb 20, 2019
We all have core values that we hold dear to ourselves, friends, and family in which we have learned through experiences that shape us. Director Antonio Mendez Esparza has emerged with his newest film “Life and Nothing More” that does anWe all have core values that we hold dear to ourselves, friends, and family in which we have learned through experiences that shape us. Director Antonio Mendez Esparza has emerged with his newest film “Life and Nothing More” that does an exceptional job of relaying the enormity of finding your true self along the journey. Single mother (Regina) has to maintain her waitress job and sustain raising her youngest daughter and (Andrew) teenage son’s livelihood as he begins to get into trouble with the law. With the father figure out of the picture, we begin to see that the absence is a fueling factor of his run ins with the law. Truly an honest account of life and its many complexities, the film points to our need as a culture to better understand each others backgrounds and alleviate racial prejudices. Really a wonderful production that made me feel a closer connection with the human experience.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
gcuevas344Feb 11, 2019
If you’re wondering what exactly this film is about, the title explains it all. Regina Williams’s breakout performance as a struggling single mother is nothing short of authentic, as she experiences the constant struggles of motherhood and ofIf you’re wondering what exactly this film is about, the title explains it all. Regina Williams’s breakout performance as a struggling single mother is nothing short of authentic, as she experiences the constant struggles of motherhood and of course, life, amid a political and economic climate that are not in her favor. Director Antonio Mendez Esparza does a phenomenal job of capturing the underlying racial and political pressures in modern America today in a subtle, yet completely effective way. Anyone who can appreciate an honest and genuine film would absolutely love this movie and its message.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
erikchristianFeb 14, 2019
Life and Nothing More is a full-bodied, raw look at family, race and the working class in America today. The film presents the topics of racial profiling, the 2016 election, and the challenges of being a single mother while working forLife and Nothing More is a full-bodied, raw look at family, race and the working class in America today. The film presents the topics of racial profiling, the 2016 election, and the challenges of being a single mother while working for minimum wage. While these problems are persistent throughout the film, they are largely in the background as the main goal of the film is to present the lives of the characters as they are lived moment to moment. These moments were filled with nuanced performances from the cast that explore the relationships between the characters. The acting from this non-professional cast was phenomenal and on par with any award-winning actor.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
BeccapierceFeb 20, 2019
Regina struggles to keep her family afloat and her teenage son out of jail in this stunningly realistic film. Life and Nothing More stands out against the majority of films because it has a simple plot, simple setting, and simpleRegina struggles to keep her family afloat and her teenage son out of jail in this stunningly realistic film. Life and Nothing More stands out against the majority of films because it has a simple plot, simple setting, and simple cinematography. This is done intentionally to avoid drawing attention to the “flashy” elements of movies, but rather to highlight the simplicity of everyday life in modern America for hard workers like Regina. Any mother, regardless of socioeconomic status, will instantaneously be drawn to Regina and empathize with her as it is painstakingly obvious that she is trying her best, but is also a human with flaws. Likewise, any teenager with brush-ins with the law will relate to Andrew as he tries his best to stay out of jail and off the doomed path of that of his father’s. While Life and Nothing More may not have the most action, it more than makes up for it in drama, heart and soul.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
rachelkMar 5, 2019
In this compelling film about the real-life struggles of being a single mom trying to sustain a life for her and her 2 kids, you see the strength and resilience of a woman come out to play. When facing the hardships of life and the battleIn this compelling film about the real-life struggles of being a single mom trying to sustain a life for her and her 2 kids, you see the strength and resilience of a woman come out to play. When facing the hardships of life and the battle between her and her troubled son, her true testament is shown. Lead actress, Regina Williams, is from Tallahassee, FL where the film was shot and produced. Regina comes to the big screen for the first time and shows us that to be an actress you just need to be able to give the rawest and most authentic performance to relate to the plot, and this is exactly what she does. Her acting was so compelling and incredible and I loved every minute of it, I highly recommend that anyone who loves a strong woman role watch this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
maxebryanMar 5, 2019
Life and Nothing More is such a beautiful film and is so hyper realistic at times that you forget that you’re watching a movie and not a documentary. The film is able to achieve this by using nonprofessional actors (who do a fabulous jobLife and Nothing More is such a beautiful film and is so hyper realistic at times that you forget that you’re watching a movie and not a documentary. The film is able to achieve this by using nonprofessional actors (who do a fabulous job acting, the lead actress even won awards for her performance in this film) and doesn’t really use a lot of linear storytelling/exposition, so the film comes off as more of a slice of life rather than a drama. Nonetheless, there is plenty of drama in the film and the story that’s told is extremely compelling, the pain these characters go through can be felt by everyone in the audience as early as the opening sequence when the film establishes that Andrew, one of the main characters, is alone most of the time and has to watch over the house and his little sister while his mother is working. It was so easy to connect with these characters and really get sucked in to the movie. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and i think it deserves to be seen.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
alexaustin726Mar 5, 2019
Antonio Mendez Esparza makes this film seem as authentic and real as possible. It depicts the struggles and hardships of an African American family in Tallahassee, Florida. Andrew Bleechington and Regina Williams give an exceptionalAntonio Mendez Esparza makes this film seem as authentic and real as possible. It depicts the struggles and hardships of an African American family in Tallahassee, Florida. Andrew Bleechington and Regina Williams give an exceptional performance as they play mother and son. Their on-screen relationship is so organic and raw. The scenes where they are arguing are very well executed. Overall, “Life and Nothing More” truly shows the life and nothing more of this family.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
madiiMar 6, 2019
Life and Nothing more is everything you could possibly ask for from a drama, and more. The film focuses on a fictionalized, broken home, with a hard-working single mother raising her toddler daughter and her son, who’s been walking a fineLife and Nothing more is everything you could possibly ask for from a drama, and more. The film focuses on a fictionalized, broken home, with a hard-working single mother raising her toddler daughter and her son, who’s been walking a fine line that, with one misstep, could send him to prison. The newly discovered cast gives incredibly real and raw performances, with Regina Williams stealing the spotlight in my eyes. Her portrayal as a single mother protecting her son was so incredibly realistic, it gave me chills. Definitely recommend giving it a watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
cecilecoop5Mar 7, 2019
This film is one of the most moving films I’ve seen in a long time. “Life and Nothing more” does an incredible job of delivering characters that are truly authentic in a story that you can’t help but be enthralled by. The story is suchThis film is one of the most moving films I’ve seen in a long time. “Life and Nothing more” does an incredible job of delivering characters that are truly authentic in a story that you can’t help but be enthralled by. The story is such genuine representation of life in southern America, showing the powerful realness in the dialogue and situations the characters find themselves in as the story unfolds. The film calls out cultural issues the south faces every day, drawing attention to the link between poverty and racism. I was not at all surprised to find that this film was named in Variety’s top 10 films of 2018. I was so captivated by this film, and I recommend you allow this film to captivate you too!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
SmithRebeccaFeb 27, 2019
I can be picky when it comes to drama films, but LIFE AND NOTHING MORE did an incredible job of approaching a sensitive topic from a new perspective. Antonio Esparza’s direction gave a new meaning to real-life drama and the movie featured aI can be picky when it comes to drama films, but LIFE AND NOTHING MORE did an incredible job of approaching a sensitive topic from a new perspective. Antonio Esparza’s direction gave a new meaning to real-life drama and the movie featured a strong female lead, Regina Williams, who gave an authentic, raw performance that captured my attention from the first scene. Williams realistic acting conveyed the emotional struggle that single African American mother, placed in a problematic Florida neighborhood, faces. Would recommend to all drama fans!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
jordanthomas13Feb 27, 2019
Life and Nothing More is about so many things- families, growing up, systemic racism, poverty- but at its core the film mostly cares about the characters as real-life people with a vast range of feelings and emotions. The characters are soLife and Nothing More is about so many things- families, growing up, systemic racism, poverty- but at its core the film mostly cares about the characters as real-life people with a vast range of feelings and emotions. The characters are so easy to latch onto and find yourself so badly wanting them to do well. It explores the redeemable qualities in us all and what it takes to be supportive of someone. It’s a deeply intimate film with a devastating and brilliant ending, but everything is earned and felt.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
ashbrrttFeb 20, 2019
Life and Nothing More has just the right amount of everything: right amount of dialogue, right amount of characters to follow without being distracted, right amount of details that don’t fluff. There is nothing that overloads you about it,Life and Nothing More has just the right amount of everything: right amount of dialogue, right amount of characters to follow without being distracted, right amount of details that don’t fluff. There is nothing that overloads you about it, and it’s refreshing to see a movie that falls in between of too much and not enough. It’s a very balanced piece that I recommend seeing either for pleasure or for analyzing craft.… Expand
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10
nicolevaughnMar 7, 2019
Regina Williams’ performance in Life & Nothing More naturally and incredibly portrays the life of a struggling single mother in America. Perfectly staying in character, she livened the film to the point where I often forgot I was watching aRegina Williams’ performance in Life & Nothing More naturally and incredibly portrays the life of a struggling single mother in America. Perfectly staying in character, she livened the film to the point where I often forgot I was watching a movie. Her character not only represents millions of women bearing the same adversities, but it also brings to light the struggles that many endure, and she seamlessly executes that role. Truly looking forward to seeing more from her, and I highly suggest you watch her performance in this movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MikeyJohn96Mar 26, 2019
Life and Nothing More is a wonderfully crafted film that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a moving movie about a strong, independent woman who don’t need no man. The plot is basically about a single mother who has to work two jobs to support herLife and Nothing More is a wonderfully crafted film that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a moving movie about a strong, independent woman who don’t need no man. The plot is basically about a single mother who has to work two jobs to support her two children. Her oldest child, Andrew tends to get himself in a lot of trouble so she tries to keep him away for crime causing a hostile environment in the home. It’s an authentic raw movie about what many families may go through when living in a low income/high crime area. I definitely recommend you watch it if you like movies about social problems… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
elliecaplanMar 25, 2019
Antonio Mendez Esparza’s Life and Nothing More is realistically depicted drama with a socially relevant plot line. The film portrays the story of a single mother named Regina and her teenage son Andrew and young daughter Ry'nesia. The familyAntonio Mendez Esparza’s Life and Nothing More is realistically depicted drama with a socially relevant plot line. The film portrays the story of a single mother named Regina and her teenage son Andrew and young daughter Ry'nesia. The family father figure is in prison, so Regina must work long, hard hours in order to financially support her family. While her son Andrew seems to find himself into trouble with the law, Regina does the best she can to teach Andrew right from wrong and lead him down the right path, unlike his father. This film is an emotional and raw story of a black family simply doing their best despite the seemingly constant and inevitable challenges they are faced with in our society.… Expand
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