Every day until March 31, 2024 I will be watching and reviewing a movie that is 90 minutes or less.
Title: Frybread Face and Me
Release Date: November 24, 2023
Director: Billy Luther
Production Company: Indion Entertainment | REI Co-op Studios
Summary/Review:
When 11-year-old Benny’s (Keir Tallman) parents split up he is sent from his home in San Diago to spend the summer on the farm of his Grandma (Sarah H. Natani) on a Navajo reservation in Arizona. He’s soon joined by his older cousin Dawn (Charley Hogan) – who’s known by the nickname “Frybread Face.” Their relationship is hostile at first but they gradually form a bond over their shared status as outsiders.
The movie is not heavy on plot as it is more about a sense of place and spending time with these characters. From Grandma (who doesn’t speak English), Benny and Dawn learn of the traditions of the from rearing sheep to weaving. Their macho uncle Marvin (Martin Sensmeier) is harsher, especially on his expectations for Benny’s manhood, although we learn over time that he is resentful over being the only one of his siblings to remain on the farm. They also receive visits from their youngest aunt Lucy (Kahara Hodges) a free spirit who helps Benny explore his identity and gender non-comformity.
All in all this is sweet film with a coming of age story that many will find relatable even from very different cultures than those depicted in the movie.
Rating: ****
Panorama of the Mountains 