What I liked
I loved the acting above all else. Everyone’s performances were emotionally intense and authentic. I particularly loved the pastor’s kid/narrator. The relationship between her and her father was the emotional heart of the story, and it worked amazingly well. I thought the way the show used immersion was fascinating. We spent a lot of time in uncomfortable places, both physically and emotionally. There was a lot of dead space in the dialogue and action. In another setting, I would have said that those things should be trimmed or modified, but in this show, they worked for me. I felt that I had a visceral experience of a pivotal day in someone’s life. Even when that was uncomfortable, it felt very necessary to the experience.
More structurally, I thought the show did an excellent job of smoothly and casually telling the audience our role in the scenes. I also appreciated that they warned people about the potential for motion sickness.
What I didn't like
I can’t think of much. Maybe a longer final section, with more scenes between mom and dad? I wanted to know how they were handling things!
My overall impression
An emotionally intense story told by fantastic actors in often uncomfortable settings. This was one of the most interesting ways to use immersion that I’ve experienced in the last few years. I’m considering making another trip to LA to see it again in September.
