Never Rarely Sometimes Always
dir. Eliza Hittman · 2020
Navigating difficult choices and societal obstacles, individuals often rely on the support of loved ones to assert their autonomy and pursue their own paths.
Autumn sits in a clinic waiting room, her face a mask of anxiety and uncertainty as she contemplates the gravity of her situation. The film immerses you in the quiet desperation of her journey, capturing the intimate bond between her and her cousin Skylar as they navigate a world that seems determined to silence them. Each moment is steeped in a melancholic realism that invites reflection on the complexities of choice and the resilience of young women facing systemic barriers.
Inseparable best friends and cousins Autumn and Skylar precariously navigate the vulnerability of female adolescence in rural Pennsylvania. When Autumn mysteriously falls pregnant, she's confronted by conservative legislation without mercy for blue-collar women seeking abortions. With Skylar's unfailing support and bold resourcefulness, money to fund the procedure is secured and the duo board a bus bound for New York state to find the help Autumn needs.
Talking points
- the impact of legislation on women's health
- the dynamics of friendship in crisis
- rural versus urban experiences
- the portrayal of adolescence in film
