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Cast: Louisa Krause, Sonequa Martin, Silvestre Rigizadeh, Gaius Charles, Ally Walker, Leslie Uggams, Anthony Del Negro, Thuliso Dingwall, Michael Gabel, Chris Riggi
Out on the lacrosse pitch, wealthy but troubled Jesse (Louisa Krause) and poor but driven Tosha (Sonequa Martin) form an easy and deep bond, but their relationship is threatened once they enter the hallways of an elite prep school they attend in Washington, D.C. There, they must work to overcome racial and other tensions in their classmates, and in themselves, if they hope to keep their friendship alive.
This is a film about race, friendship and over-coming obstacles that could easily drag you down if you don't keep your head on straight. This is Writer/Director, Emily Abt's first feature film outside the handful of documentaries she has made. Here Emily paints a realistic look at the lives of two teen girls in high school and the the problems and challenges each face while growing up in today's world. Toe To Toe is a character-driven film that doesn't have fancy explosions or amazing special effects to aid it but it does have a story we all can relate to in one way or another and two main characters that we care about. I was taken in by these two girls who both come from different backgrounds but they forge a bond anyway only to have their friendship threatened by jealousy. The film speaks of peer pressure, race and what it is like today being a teenager in high school but it doesn't do it in a way that seems forced instead the story is real and thought-provoking. I credit a lot of the success of the film to it's two young stars, Louisa Krause and Sonequa Martin are two young actresses that have very bright futures ahead of them, they both make their characters realistic and believable and and their chemistry together is flawless. To go into details of what happens during the course of the film would only ruin the experience waiting for those wanting to see it but this is an Independent film that is high on drama and it is as realistic a film you are going to find, even the ending is one that fits the story and that is rare today in film. If you like a good drama then I highly recommend picking this one up, it had me from it's opening frames and I couldn't take my eyes from the screen, I was held captive by the story and couldn't wait to see how it ended. You can buy Toe To Toe and any great films at Strand Releasing web site HERE
Released by Strand Releasing
**** Out Of *****