World of Facts
17-Dec-2018
Sisters Maureen and Louise return to their Midwestern hometown after a coincidence of tragedy strikes the family. “World of Facts,” a quietly observed dramatic feature from director Mike Gibisser, reckons with a suspended period of heartache, in two separate cases of comatose partners. The first involves Maureen and her boyfriend, Ted, who, out of nowhere, passes out while driving and finds himself in a fight for his life. The second follows Maureen’s father as he tends to his long-term partner, also on the verge of death. Sister and daughter, Louise, leaves her own family to be there in support in both scenarios, and, as the days wear on, with few answers, the three family members search for ways to pass the time. It’s a vivid contemplation on loss, set to the everyday rhythms of hospital hums and downtime at home. Carried by tremendous performances from its three leads, Gretchen Akers, Rebecca Spence, and Bryan Saner, it’s an emotionally draining but transfixing experience, a deep dive into the mourning process, not centered around the tearful flare-ups, but all the time in-between. This is Gibisser’s long-awaited follow-up to his 2008 feature, “Finally, Lillian and Dan,” an unsung highlight of late aught’s mumblecore.
Written, directed, shot and edited by Mike Gibisser. Starring Gretchen Akers, Rebecca Spence, and Bryan Saner.