Mikes Film Talk

The 2024 film Four is all about baby steps. Slow tiny steps toward parenthood. It is based on a true story. *Adapted from the Ashley Berry book: Waiting for Rainbows; her story of infertility and trying to beat it to become a mother.*

This “feel good” film is going to make you cry.

I did.

A few times.

The story

In Four Ashley and Cal meet and almost instantly fall in love. They marry and decide to start their family. Life, however, has other plans for these two. Their struggle is all uphill.

The Cast

Spencer Breslin is Cal.

Meghan Carrasquillo is Ashley.

Stacey Dash is Beth.

Emily Gateley is Hannah.

*Taryn Manning is the uncredited fertility doctor that Cal and Ashley see in the film.*

Behind the Camera

Canyon Prince directs Four with a deft touch. He manages to give this intimate tale of tragedy and triumph an authentic feel. Kate Queen shares writing credit with Ashley and this story can wring the viewer out.

Dante Yore as cinematographer makes each frame feel intimate, close, and tight. We are not interested in the background here, but the players. The people that this true story reflect. He kills it, aka; hits a home run with this one.

Simone Cilio gives us a score that makes the couple feel like family, or at the outside, neighbours. This works with production designer/set director Patrick Morales and art director Jennifer Kelsey to give a homely feel to entire tale.

It is slow

Four is slow paced. However, for this type of story it has to be. Broken down into chapters, like a book, the pacing reflects the agonizing wait that infertile couples must go through. It has to be pointed out, though, the film does not drag.

Baby Steps

Four does indeed feel like baby steps. Those tiny faltering attempts made by our children as they learn this new skill. Cal and Ashley are taking their own steps. We are there every “step” of the way with this couple.

The casting of Breslin and Carrasquillo as the the couple is almost sheer perfection. They exude a quiet sense of love and affection that comes across almost effortlessly.

Kudos to Stacy Dash as Beth. She shone as the empathetic caring official in a difficult world. And a bid nod to Taryn Manning as the doctor. *Both ladies are personal favourites.*

Hallmark Channel

Four seems like it may well eventually be destined to stream on the Hallmark Channel. This is not a dig at all. The channel has some brilliant films and television shows. I have quite a number of firm favourites there.

The Verdict

This has been a rich month for independent films. Four is a firm 5 stars. I chuckled and I cried. More importantly, however, I cared about this young couple and their journey. The film streams on Amazon Prime 10 December. Check it out.

A quick side note. This is a PG film. You can bring grandma to watch it. No nudity, violence, foul language or bloody carnage.

*You may want to bring a box of tissues though.*

The Trailer