Come Early Morning (2006)

O An excellent must-see
X Good rental choice
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / April 10, 2007

“Come Early Morning” has an uncommon authenticity. Its characters make us feel like we’re watching real people’s real lives, a credit to Joey Lauren Adams’ writing and these fine actors.

Very little actually happens in this movie — especially in the way of revelations and resolutions. It seems to be devoid of plot or storyline. But “Come Early Morning” depicts how life happens.

Lucy Fowler (Ashley Judd) is self-destructive in her unhappiness. She spends her weekends at the local bars, drinking beer, shooting pool and then waking up the following morning lying next to a stranger.

(I would note that, although edited for content, this character’s promiscuous behavior and consistent alcohol consumption are prominent themes of the movie.)

Lucy, her friends and her family are simple folk who live in a small town. “Come Early Morning” merely chronicles her days, her routines and the painful interactions of her troubled relationships.

This is a movie for people who love people. The director is careful to preserve her characters’ credibility and realism with each scene and in each line of dialogue.

“Come Early Morning” is a good film — even though it doesn’t go anywhere, much like those in Lucy’s town.

Directed by Joey Lauren Adams
Ashley Judd / Jeffrey Donovan / Tim Blake Nelson
97 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up

DVD release date: March 20, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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