Screening at the 2017 Newport Beach Film Festival, The Scent of Rain and Lightning is a a drama based on the novel of the same name by Nancy Pickard.
Jody Linder (Maika Monroe) is a Mid-Western woman, who received more harsh news in her young life. Billy (Brad Carter), the man who supposedly murdered her parents was released from prison. Jody is forced to open up old wounds that force her to emotionally relive the the loss of her parents.
What’s worse is that Billy may be innocent, forcing Jody to reevaluate all the hate, anger and despair that she has harbored for more than half her life, especially after confronting her parents’ murder.
Once Jody starts her own investigation into what really happened, she discovering things about her family that would drive anyone mad.
Although the film is somewhat predictable, director Blake Robbins tells a fantastic story about love, betrayal and death that forces you to sit still and wait in anticipation as all answers are revealed.
Writers Jeff Robison and Casey Twenter tell a coherent story, which leaves very little unanswered questions, that easily could have been told in any number of languages.
The Scent of Rain and Lightning has a great ensemble cast that carry the picture throughout with several familiar faces like Maggie Grace, Bonnie Bedelia and Will Patton.
The Scent of Rain and Lightning screens twice at the Newport Beach Film Festival:
Friday, April 21, 2017, Time: 8:15 p.m.
The Triangle
1870 Harbor Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Monday, April 24, 2017, Time: 2:30 p.m.
Edwards Big Newport
300 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
- Overall Score
The Verdict
The Scent of Rain and Lightning is a dramatic film that forces you to pay close attention to all the details as the unravel.