Marine Story, A
“A lesbian amalgam of Walking Tall and Billy Jack.” – Village Voice
The remarkably hard-bodied actress, aerialist and P90X star Dreya Weber (The Gymnast) portrays Alex, a decorated Marine officer unexpectedly discharged from wartime duty. Returning to her conservative home town she agrees to coach troubled teen Saffron (Paris Pickard), who faces jail time – or much worse – if she doesn’t enlist. No-nonsense Alex is the authority figure Saffron needs, and inspires the young woman’s transition from slacker to boot camp-ready Marine recruit. But an ugly campaign to “reveal the truth” about Alex’s discharge threatens to derail both women’s futures.
This highly decorated film earned 20 awards on the film festival circuit — including the Outfest Grand Jury Prize for Best US Narrative Feature — and acclaim from critics and audiences worldwide!
Awards & Press Quotes
“A strong, character-driven riposte to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell . . . Weber is first-rate.” – Variety
“Weber anchors the movie with a gritty, honest performance that has the same to-the-bone quality as Melissa Leo’s in ‘Frozen River.’ There’s not a false note or inflection.” – Stephen Holden, New York Times
“A lesbian amalgam of Walking Tall and Billy Jack.” – Village Voice
“Dreya Weber is compelling and utterly convincing . . . The film is powerful.” – Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
“This film does not go where you might think it will go because it’s so credibly written, acted and directed. Don’t ask, don’t tell? How about: Don’t miss this film.” – San Francisco Chronicle
“What is revelatory is the mature intelligence of Farr’s screenplay, and the fascinating, subtle beauty of Weber’s portrayal of a woman who’s been holding herself within for so long that she can barely breathe.” – LA Weekly
“A superb movie . . . first-rate acting by Weber.” – HollywoodNews.com
“Weber is effective and convincing . . . phenomenal performances throughout.” – Cherry Grrl.com
“Fascinating and gripping.” – SheWired.com
“A well done, thought-provoking intimate portrait of a modern woman in the military.” – WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Outstanding character study.” – Gay City News
“Like a female Clint Eastwood, Weber’s Alex favours action over procrastination or heartfelt speeches. Self-pity and tears aren’t her stock in trade: “Marines don’t cry; their eyeballs sweat” is the mantra she lives by.” — Sound On Sight
OUTFEST: Grand Jury Award for US Narrative Feature; Grand Jury Award for Actress in a Feature Film: Dreya Weber; Audience Award for Narrative Feature.
SOCAL FILM FESTIVAL: Jury Award for Best Feature; Jury Award for Best Actress: Dreya Weber.
OUTFLIX FILM FEST: Jury Award for Best Feature.
COLORADO FILM FESTIVAL: Grand Jury Prize; Screenwriting Award
OUT ON FILM, ATLANTA LGBT FILM FESTIVAL: Audience Award for Best Women’s Feature; Audience Award for Best Actress: Dreya Weber.
SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL: Audience Award for Best Feature.
PITTSBURGH LGBT FILM FESTIVAL: Audience Award for Best Women’s Feature.
LONG BEACH QFILM FESTIVAL: Best Screenplay.
REELING: CHICAGO LESBIAN & GAY INT’L FILM FESTIVAL Audience Award for Best Feature.
BEAUFORT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Best Feature
