Go Fish

REVIEW
An unlikely candidate to join the ranks of epochal lesbian-themed films, this delightful yet knowing independent romantic comedy is more than simply the Desert Hearts for the '90s. Made on an extremely low budget, filmed in black and white, and featuring primarily non-professionals in major roles, Go Fish's grittiness helps in making its characters more honest and accessible. Seriously cute and boyishly hip Max (Turner), after a drought of ten months, is looking for love. She possibly finds it in the person of Ely (V.S. Brodie), a semi-dorky, slightly older woman. How the two women meet, court and maybe even get together is wonderfully handled in a light, effervescent fashion that combines to paint a finely detailed and on-target depiction of young lesbian life. What the film lacks in professional pizzazz and slickness is more than made up by its vividly drawn characters and witty screenplay.