Beyond the Farthest Star (2013)

***Legalism threatens to destroy a family in a remote Texas town that is suddenly thrust into the national spotlight***

A preaching kid wonder doesn’t grow up to become the next Billy Graham as expected, but rather the joyless pastor (Todd Terry) of a small assembly in Nowheresville, Texas. His wife (Renée O'Connor) escapes into romance novels and other temptations while his sullen daughter (Cherami Leigh) plays in a “vampire rock” band. When a strategic crime draws national attention to the town it forces the family to confront their outward issues and core problem.

Written & directed by Andrew Librizzi, “Beyond the Farthest Star” (2013) dragged its feet getting officially released in 2015. It’s an intricate and morose Indie drama in the mold of the outstanding “Snow Angels” (2007), but with a faith-based angle. It basically mixes the style of David Gordon Green (“Snow Angels”) with that of Alex Kendrick (“War Room”). "Do You Believe?" (2015) and “Grand Canyon” (1991) are other reference points in tone & theme, not to mention depth, reverence and wonder. But “Beyond the Farthest Star” had WAY less funds to work with, costing only $500,000. Yet it doesn’t seem like it. Librizzi is an expert filmmaker who knows how to make the most of his limited resources.

The flick is very dense and has the confidence to take its time; it also respects the intelligence of the viewer to read between the lines and figure out details. Every issue presented is real and I’ve experienced them either firsthand or indirectly. Even minor scenes are superbly articulated and acted. You can tell Librizzi spent a lot of time on the script, working out kinks, etc. Speaking of the acting, I’m surprised at how excellent even the peripherals perform, which ain’t no small thing considering the challenge of pulling off the heavy material. Cherami Leigh is great for her role even though she seemed to struggle a bit at the end (I can’t say anything more without giving away spoilers).

Two snippets of songs from the “vampire rock” band are featured and they’re outstanding, the best musical pieces on the soundtrack; yeah, even the Crystal Lewis track “Beauty for Ashes.” Cherami Leigh sings on “Disappearing Act” and I’m assuming the other (even briefer) piece as well. Librizzi should’ve let these songs play out longer; or feature them on the end credits; or, at least, the bonus material.

The movie’s arguably too morose and lengthy for its own good, not to mention some elements are awkwardly implemented in the last act, like the Big Mart aspect. Yet, when you reflect on it, everything is there for a reason and makes an important point. I can relate to practically every point one way or another. Still, the conclusion needed more finesse. But, at the end of the day, “Beyond the Farthest Star” is an obscure weighty gem. It’s awe-inducing (and occasionally amusing in a low-key way, e.g. “think happy thoughts”). The fact that it only cost $500,000 is mind-blowing.

The film runs 1 hour, 59 minutes, and was shot in Leonard, Texas, which is located about 40-minutes (drive) northeast of Dallas.

GRADE: A-/B+