You Like To Draw? (2020)

You Like To Draw? distributes moving moments that you’d never expect to find in a little indie film that could. With story by Todd Ernest Braley and Debra Lamb, You Like To Draw? focuses on more than just the tagline “Everything happens for a reason” in this powerful indie drama. Filmed in Grand Junction, Colorado, the film tells the story of budding artist Ellen (Brii Frank), left paralyzed and brain-damaged after surviving a horrific car accident. Having lost long-time caregiver Olivia (Anna Ragsdale), Ellen‘s mom Nancy (the stunning Debra Lamb) is looking for a replacement caregiver.

We then meet Neena (Mariah Ellen Griffith), a party-going selfie queen single mom, doing a not-so-great taking care of her teenage son, Kasey (played by Hunter Voss). Neena needs a job and applies for the caregiver position.

On her first day on the job, Neena breaks the first rule set out by Nancy by taking pity on the trapped inside Ellen and her out on a trip to the nearby lake. The film is then triggered into gear. Even after this first-day fiasco and subsequent firing, unbeknownst to Neena, Ellen demands that Nancy hire Neena back. Ellen seems to be good for Neena, and Neena good for Ellen, as the two unknowingly proceed to heal each other’s wounds.

You Like To Draw? hits home on many fronts, dealing with issues and topics such as family, parenthood, independence, caregiving, and even self-discovery. Braley and Lamb bring a good story that surprisingly pulls at the heartstrings at just the right moments. You Like To Draw? in many ways resembles a Hallmark film, which seems to be its intent and is supported by a fitting score composed by the talented Mateus Brandao. Braley touched a chord in me that I did not know was still tender. He makes it real, which can sometimes be a fine line in movies, especially of the indie variety. Here, I think that is what makes, rather than breaks, this film.

Debra Lamb, mostly known for being a horror film scream queen, impresses by extending her acting chops, playing a divorced mom trying her best to care for her newly disabled daughter, as well as her younger daughter, Laurie (the very likeable Rose Bonino). All while, being bullied by her meddling, know-it-all, bossy sister-in-law, Ann (effectively portrayed by Trista Robinson), who constantly sucks up to local church pastor, Gale (Rhonda Williams).

Lamb’s performance is raw and realistic, as a ‘never let them see you sweat’ mother trying to hold it together for her family, but not seeing the damage she is also doing in the process. First-timer Mariah Ellen Griffith also does an honest job portraying the self-absorbed Neena, and her facial expressions are at times priceless.

In an indie film with an estimated budget of $16,000, Braley visually keeps everything clean and smooth, with some nice aerial shots thrown in to add flare. I normally don’t review dramas much, and with You Like To Draw? being an indie drama I feared the worst, yet Braley dazzlingly captured my attention, making me feel for the characters, and even wipe a tear from my eye.

Highly recommended. 8 out of 10.