Burning Cane

Horrible film, not even worth watching on Netflix.

Far TOO SLOW, and so apparently POINTLESS, even as it SEEMED to be trying to say something worthwhile. Most certainly a wasted opportunity all around: Do NOT waste any more time on this.

This seemed like a pretty "real" depiction of people who have been marginalized, and many of them are suffering from serious alcohol use disorders. There's some harshness to it, but it comes across as being pretty honest.

Slow-burn wouldn't be an issue if it wasn't repetitive - this slice of life representation of depressing squalor is portrayed in very few shades. Smoking, drinking and monotonous sermons are atmospheric and naturalistic, which would be a welcome addition to a solid story. However, it is an achievement for a 17 year old and hopefully the young director will build upon all the laurels instead of falling asleep on them.

Yes, I know the director is only 17, but this has to be one of the worst films I ever saw. If it was a senior high school project I would have been more gentle in my review. But this film is now on the world stage. I saw its premiere at Tribecca and thought I was alone in hating it until I polled people around me. We all found the movie depressing, the editing a mystery and the end a complete enigma. This young man has promise, but he is far from where he should be putting his films in theaters yet. About the only saving grace was good acting and that wasn't easy in this failed film.

Burning Cane is a small and delicate film that offers up food for thought and beautiful images, but is also a mess narratively and strangely disappointing. Made by 19yo Phillip Yeomans I feel this film could have been better with more development and structure. Set in rural Louisiana, it is about a woman named Helen who struggles to understand how best to love and help her alcoholic son and the alcoholic pastor of her church. The pastor is played superbly by Wendell Pierce and is the highlight of this film. The film does make important commentary on toxic masculinity and the overbearing power of the chutrch. But I feel the film tries to hard to be impressive rather than making a film with a cogent story. A film of promise but lacking true effectiveness.

Husband and Wife date night in the lovely indoors during a pandemic featured 'Burning Cane' which was't able to live up to the critic hype. 17-year old first-time filmmaker Phillip Youmans may have a career in cinematography, but it's most certainly not in writing. Another in the growing line of feature films that could have told the story in 30 minutes. The story should have been compelling, but instead it's expanded to excruciating levels with so little text on the page it makes you wonder if this may have been more effective as a silent film. There's no there there. It's beautiful and it's clear Youmans will have a career in the industry if he wants it. It's hard to imagine how a teen could get his movie financed, however it got done and it may be something to measure up with future work. Unfortunately, this isn't a captivating or engaging film. It's novel that a high school aged kid does a movie, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't treat this picture on its merits! Hubby: 3.8/Wife: 4.6 Average Final Score: 4.2/10

This film has an interesting visual style, which is impressive considering the filmmaker was only 17 years old when he shot, directed and edited the film. The only recognizable actor in the piece is veteran character actor Wendell Pierce, who also co-produced it. The story is somewhat unpleasant to watch, but it is rather short by feature standards. Definitely shows promise.

The kind of quiet little indie film that has the power to stay with you long after you've seen it. Wendell Pierce is excellent as usual, but Karen Kaia Livers strong-willed performance is the glue that holds the film together.

This was great! It was extremely well-written with very interesting moral tones. The rural life portrayed in the film feels very real and the cinematography was very good. The performances were all incredible, especially Wendell Pierce and Karen Kaia Livers. My only real problem with the film is its fluctuating audio problems, but other than that, this is a must-see for indie and film fans alike.