Writer-director Vivian Kerr brought her short film “Scrap” to the El Dorado Film Festival in 2019. In 2022 she adapted it into a feature film and has since been screening it on the festival circuit, winning several awards along the way. Now “Scrap” returns to the EDFF as a thematically rich and emotionally grounded feature-length drama anchored by strong character-driven storytelling and three fantastic performances.

With “Scrap”, Kerr has offered up thoughtful and genuine examinations of a number of resonating themes. Among them are brother-sister relationships, maneuvering through life’s trials, coming to grips with the hand you’ve been dealt, and taking responsibility. At the same time issues of homelessness, single motherhood, infertility, and disillusionment are woven into the fabric of Kerr’s story, all handled honestly and thoughtfully.

In addition to working behind the camera, Kerr also stars in the film, playing a single mother named Beth who was recently laid off from her well-paying corporate job due to downsizing. As a result she has lost her home and now finds herself at a crossroads. In the meantime, Beth’s adorable young daughter, Birdy (Julianna Layne) has been staying with her brother Ben (Anthony Rapp of “Dazed & Confused” and “Rent” fame) and his wife Stacy (a scene stealing Lana Parrilla).

Beth has Ben and Stacy believing that she’s away on business trips. In reality she’s desperately running from one highly sought job interview to the next during the day while spending her nights parked in upscale Los Angeles neighborhoods sleeping in her car. As we watch Beth’s routine, it’s hard to miss the desperation, the heartbreaking moments of shame, and most notably the denial. That last one is the basis for the impressive but crumbling facade she has constructed.

Ben and Stacy suspect something is going on with Beth. But they are having a crisis of their own. They’re a loving and successful couple – she’s an attorney and he’s an author of a popular series of fantasy novels. They have done very well for themselves. Now they’re ready to have a child, but infertility has made it difficult. They have taken treatments, but with every unsuccessful outcome more stress is added to their marriage.

In many ways Ben and Stacy are the antithesis of Beth. They are stable, established, and dependable people. They witness how irresponsible and careless Beth is with her daughter and it frustrates them, especially as a couple desperately wanting a child of their own. This really affects Stacy who has a difficult time hiding her aggravation. It creates a palpable tension between the two women.

Despite her faults, Beth is never portrayed as a bad person. Quite the opposite. She sincerely loves her daughter and wants what’s best for her. But far too often her obsession with reclaiming her former status blinds her to her responsibilities to Birdy. It leads to several bad choices that only make her situation worse. And her unwillingness to be truthful with a genuinely concerned Ben risks alienating the one person willing to help her.

There is some really good brother-sister chemistry between Beth and Ben as seen in the pointed arguments, the warm encouragements, and the playful insults. As more context is given, we begin to see their relationship as more layered and textured. Kerr’s direction is key, but even more crucial are the performances. Though a touch stilted at times, she and Rapp have an organic rapport that sells us on every exchange. Even better is Parrilla who is able to make Stacy the most nuanced and sympathetic character in the film.

“Scrap” is an impressive feature film debut from director, writer, and producer Vivian Kerr. From the very start she shows such good control of the material, throwing in a handful of good laughs and some tender moments while never losing sight of the the more serious slice-of-life drama that gives the movie its punch. It’s a well-paced film, propelled by (mostly) richly developed characters and fleshed out relationships, both of which are critical to the movie’s success. “Scrap” recently screened at the El Dorado Film Festival.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS