A wonderful part of independent filmmaking has always been its willingness to tell stimulating human stories without sacrificing artistic integrity. Large budget film-making has often pandered to an idea of what it thinks an audience wants. It seems that in the past few years, other film and television mediums have begun to take notice of the opportunities for richer storytelling. One of Netflix’s most recent film projects introduced many to the work of Sian Heder. “Tallulah” is only her fifth credited screen writing project and her first time directing a full-length movie. Good film starts with a good script, and in that regard Heder built a strong foundation for this film. Her most notable work has been as a writer on the popular show “Orange is the New Black.”

“Tallulah” continues Netflix’s momentum in the streaming company’s successful venture into media production. The film doesn’t weigh down its impact with the same tired concepts. This movie explores the deeper ideas of family and all of its messy and complicated realities. It is a tale about the root of where friendships can come from and the importance and power of forgiveness. It tells a story of characters with nothing left to do except let go. It is complicated because life is complicated.

The film follows three female roles in a unique way that is hard for male writers to replicate. It offers a better insight into the problems that these three very different people face in the modern world, a perfect example of why the inclusion of more women as writers and directors is important.

“Tallulah” stars Allison Janney as Margo, a woman struggling with abandonment and the general defeats of life that often accompany getting older. After being left by her husband, and then her only son, she finds herself feeling deserted, bitter, and lonely. When Tallulah (Ellen Page) shows up at her doorstep with a baby she claims belongs to Margo’s son, the two become reluctant friends. The relationship between Page’s and Janney’s characters is another beautifully written and flawlessly performed aspect of the film. These two phenomenal actresses portray a seemingly inexplicable love for each other that is difficult for any writers to execute in only two hours.

Tammy Blanchard (Moneyball) also gives a heart-wrenching performance as Carolyn, a rich woman struggling with raising a child in a loveless marriage, intense feelings of inadequacy, and extensive alcohol abuse. Whether the credit belongs to the writer, the actress for her performance, or to both, the film makes you feel for a character that you don’t necessarily want to sympathize with. Carolyn exemplifies the narrative of a person who is in over her head. She exists in a world where women are still told that having a child and a husband should be enough.

Overall, “Tallulah” offered an extremely candid look at the perspective of women on a variety of topics. The movie covered a broad range of issues such as parenting, women’s roles in society, homosexuality, facing our own mortality, eccentricity in a world full of societal pressures; the list could go on and on. All the while it maintained a fresh voice and a unique insight that left a lasting impression. What more can we ask of a film?