If it weren't for Juliette Lewis' strong central performance, there wouldn't be much else here to recommend ... See it for yourself, or don't.

| Original Score: C- | Jul 17, 2020

It's a generally pleasing independent film that quietly and tenderly renders its central relationship as an examination of those increasingly rare connections we experience with like-minded individuals as life goes on.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 5, 2019

A film with real distribution, directed by a woman as well as written by one is a rare enough occurrence that I wish I didn't have to point out all that's wrong with Kelly & Cal.

| Mar 12, 2019

So much rings true in the film "Kelly and Cal" that it almost hurts to watch. But the leads, Juliette Lewis and Jonny Weston, bring so much spark to their roles that even when some moments hit too close to home, it's a wonderful film.

| Aug 22, 2018

Kelly & Cal follows well-worn territory and manages to make things feel fresh.

| Original Score: C+ | Jun 7, 2016

This character-driven drama about a friendship between two lost souls has enough tender honesty to overcome some final-act contrivances.

| Dec 3, 2014

A simple, honest, deeply satisfying tale of the complex mixed emotions and desires that make up a woman's life and often exist in secret.

| Nov 5, 2014

Although the subject matter could have been tricky and condescending, screenwriter Amy Lowe and director Jen McGowan tell the story with a great amount of sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 3, 2014

The movie turns a little soapy as it tries to locate a satisfying ending, and there are too many self-conscious statements of life's little lessons, yet the passion remains.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Oct 2, 2014

manages to deal honestly with issues of superficiality and repression among the white-picket-fence set while also allowing for the complexities of human expression and feeling

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 1, 2014

The things that are good about Jen McGowan's debut feature are so very good that it would be altogether too easy to overpraise the film -- and that would do no one any favors.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 27, 2014

It's difficult to be fully invested in the Big Emotional Developments of the final act.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 26, 2014

There are complex situations, well-acted characters and a central relationship that feels authentic and mature - and yet it's missing some element to bring it fully into focus.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 25, 2014

Juliette Lewis and newcomer Jonny Weston bring terrific sensitivity to their roles.

| Sep 18, 2014

A sly satire that's sexy, touching, and funny, if seriously flawed.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 12, 2014

An offbeat drama with a pervasive sense of unease. Compelling, if slightly inconclusive.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 11, 2014

Mature story of unlikely friends explores serious topics.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 5, 2014

This is essentially Juliette Lewis' vehicle - a movie to remind you of how filmmakers have largely left untapped her subtle gifts.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 5, 2014

The film is mostly proof that changing the gender and details in a premise doesn't do much good if the presentation is conventional in nearly every other way.

| Sep 5, 2014

The performances of Ms. Lewis and Mr. Weston crackle with authenticity. Like a good punk-rock song, this bracingly honest, tough-minded vignette stays true to itself.

| Sep 4, 2014