Watch Always Shine

Always Shine is a psychological thriller directed by Sophia Takal and starring Mackenzie Davis and Caitlin FitzGerald. The film follows two friends, Anna and Beth, who head to Big Sur for a weekend getaway in order to unwind and reconnect. Anna is an aspiring actress who has landed a few small roles in Hollywood, while Beth is content as a successful but relatively unknown actress in independent films.

As they spend time together, tensions arise between the two friends, revealing deep-seated resentments and insecurities. Anna struggles with jealousy towards Beth's success and the fact that she has always been the more confident and assertive one in their friendship. Beth, on the other hand, struggles with her own guilt and self-doubt, feeling as though she has been coasting along in her career and relying on her looks rather than her talent.

Their differences come to a head during a drunken argument, which leaves Anna feeling rejected and betrayed. The next day, the two women embark on a hike through the scenic wilderness, but things take a dark turn when they become lost and must rely on each other to survive.

As tensions continue to escalate, Anna's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading the audience to question whether her anger towards Beth is justified, or if she is simply losing touch with reality. In the midst of their struggle for survival, the women must confront the underlying issues in their relationship and decide whether they can truly trust one another.

Always Shine is a thought-provoking and well-crafted film that explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the complex dynamics of female friendship. The performances by the two leads are outstanding, with Mackenzie Davis in particular giving a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a woman unraveling under the weight of her own insecurities.

The film's pacing is deliberate and tense, building towards an intense and unsettling climax that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the beauty and isolation of Big Sur.

Overall, Always Shine is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas. It is a smart and gripping film that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

Always Shine is a 2016 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 72.