I have to admit, I went into this movie screening with pretty low expectations. A movie about an ex-con who is picked up by two kids driving through a Louisiana town didn’t grab me, and I was prepared to dislike William Hurt’s character completely. But what the trailer and synopsis tell you don’t do the film justice. What it misses is how complex the characters are, and how you begin to really realize what has made Brett (William Hurt) the man he has become. His love story with May (Maria Bello) is one that I didn’t fully understand at first… I mean she’s young and pretty, and he’s… not. But as the story continues, their relationship feels like one of your own with that guy that you never thought you’d fall for, but once you started couldn’t really stop yourself.

So where does Kristen Stewart fit in? She’s the girl who has never really been loved in her life, and is constantly getting rejected by men. When the opportunity arises for her to get away

Eric Lee/Samuel Goldwyn

and go for a ride with Gordy (Eddie Redmayne) she decides to take a chance. At first I wasn’t sold on her character either, she seemed moody and oddly attracted to Brett (is there something in this water in this Louisiana town?) But I began to like her as soon as Brett made it clear that he was more of a father figure, which is exactly what she really needed. Watching her relationship with Gordy develop shows how sometimes we are put in unexpected situations in our lives that shape us into the people we are meant to be.

The press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills helped to open my eyes about the intricacies of the cast and creators of the film. For example, Kristen auditioned for this part before any of her Twilight success when she was only 16 (she’ll be 20 in April). Director Udayan Prasad said that although she was incredibly nervous when she auditioned, she also had “something very focused about her, very centered and she knew herself in a way that was actually quite intimidating.” In the interview, Kristen was relaxed and laid-back wearing a Market Milla Boyfriend tee which was paired with her very greasy hair… maybe she’s taking hair care tips from boyfriend and Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson? Yet she was likable and honest and seemed particularly honored to work with William Hurt.

This film isn’t a traditional Hollywood movie, but an indie film worth seeing that will take you on a road-trip through Louisiana right after Hurricane Katrina with characters you really grow to care about.

The Yellow Handkerchief hits theaters tomorrow. For more movie reviews, sign up for the Blush Celebrity newsletter.

Tags: Celebrities, Fashion, Hair, Movies, Robert Pattinson, Twilight

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