Saving Face

About This Movie

Saving Face is a solid blend of comedy and drama that captures the nuances of family dynamics and cultural expectations. Alice Wu's direction gives it a relaxed, almost intimate feel, as we follow Wil (played by Michelle Krusiec) navigating her relationship with her mother and her own love life. The pacing allows for some genuine moments of levity mixed with deeper emotional beats. The performances are strong, especially between Krusiec and Joan Chen, who plays the mother with a mix of warmth and rigidity. It’s not just about being a lesbian in a conservative culture; it's got layers of generational conflict and the struggle between personal identity and familial loyalty. It’s definitely distinctive for how it treats these themes with both humor and sincerity.

Directed by Alice Wu, her debut feature.Shot on location in New York City, adds authenticity.Features a strong score by the composer, Nathan Wang.Released by Sony Pictures Classics in limited theaters.