Carving a Life


Carving a Life is a 2017 American romance drama film directed by Terry Ross and written by Lisa Bruhn. The film stars Tyler Bruhn and Karenssa LeGear.

Plot

Mitch, a woodworker struggling with alcoholism after the death of his mother, begins a relationship with Lauren, a local elementary schoolteacher. His past trauma and difficult relationship with his father strains his romantic relationship with Lauren.

Cast

  • Tyler Bruhn as Mitch
  • Karenssa LeGear as Lauren
  • Aaron Landon Bornstein as Stephen
  • Lisa Winans as Rebecca
  • Sandi Todorovic as Eric
  • Jay Jee as Dr. Johnson
  • Laura Bohlin as Mary
  • Navid Negahban as Dr. Kasem
  • Tiffany Espensen as Veronica
  • Lindsay Kaye Sainato as Lyndsey
  • Marla Bingham as Rehab Psychologist
  • Kathleen Holt as Nurse Mary
  • Max Baroudi as Young Mitch
  • Samuel James Pfoser as Young Eric
  • Kellen Rose as Kid at beach
  • Mark Benjamin as Ethan
  • Frank Papia as Gordon
  • Lizet Benrey as Rehab Counselor

    Production

It was the debut film of director Terry Ross. Principal photography took place in North County of San Diego, Anaheim and Julian, California.

Release

The film was presented at the American Film Market. The film had a screening in San Diego, a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles and was distributed by Indie Rights.

Reception

The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Katie Walsh at Los Angeles Times described it as well-intentioned but amateurish, calling it "the kind of DIY indie film that tries very, very hard but completely misses the mark." Adam Keller at Film Threat scored it 1 out of 5 stating it was "stream-of-consciousness mush." Chris Olson at UK Film Review scored it 4 stars calling it "genuinely moving tender and engaging." Occhi Magazine rated the film 3 stars and said it would've been better with an "expanded plot and more focus on the characters."