Elena Undone (2010) Online

OK, put away your presumptions and your prejudices about what a "lesbian" movie is. If you skip this movie because "it's about lesbians," or gays, or the mysterious "other," then you're missing out on one of the best romantic films I've ever seen.

First, I'm a happily married straight guy, 45 years old. Now having dispensed with that, on to the review!

As another reviewer has already noted, this is a romance film. It happens to be a romance film with two women as the lead actors. Sure, you can call it a lesbian film, if you wish to force it into some niche. You can note that the director and producer, both women, are partners, and therefore let that make a choice for you about the movie. I recommend, however, that you watch the film, and let it stand on its own merits. You won't be disappointed.

While some say that this film appears to be somewhat formulaic (girl meets girl, girl loses girl, girl gets girl back in the end,) movies use formulas because 1) they work, and 2) they are true representations of how life happens. What separates this movie from other romance movies isn't that the main characters are women, but the visceral, raw, and quite real emotions captured by the camera and shown to us on film. I was bowled away by the acting, amazed by the cinematography, and stunned by the chemistry. Oh yes, there's chemistry! I'm making a distinction between the acting and the chemistry because I would like to speak to the acting in general, and the chemistry in particular. Am I exaggerating when I write "bowled away", "amazed", and "stunned?" OK, maybe a little bit. Obviously, I'm biased- I really like this movie! But allow me to explain.

The acting in "Elena Undone" is wonderful. And I don't mean wonderful for an indie film. I mean truly wonderful. The phrase "suspension of disbelief" gets bandied about quite a bit in film reviews, and I don't want to, again, exaggerate, but I really felt like I was there when watching this movie. There were so many scenes where I was no longer sitting in my living room, but I was "there", at the park, or in Peyton's living room, or in her (their) bedroom... I felt like I was disembodied, hovering at the periphery of the scene, really watching events unfold in real-time! Not just the main characters Elena (Nacar Zadegan) and Peyton (Traci Dinwiddie), but all the actors performed wonderfully.

The cinematography was also excellent. There are two main themes in the cinematography that I would like to speak to. One is the "style" of the movie, and the other, from a comparative point of view, is the role that the park plays in the movie. I can point to the "narration style" used where one of the actors, Tyler, talks to the camera in the guise of the cinematographer-type role that he plays in the movie. Similar to other movies that have used this device (Kenneth Branagh's "Othello" comes immediately to mind), it helps steady the movie and keeps things moving along. The park is another part of the cinematography that plays an important role in the movie. The park becomes almost like another part of the cast, present at many important points in the movie. It's there when Elena and Peyton first see each other, although they don't meet then. It's there when "girl loses girl," and also there when at the very end and the credits begin to roll, they are at their happiest. I bring these points up not because they are especially important, or especially poignant, but to demonstrate to you, the reader of this review, that particular care was spent in the cinematography of this movie. Please be assured, that if the cast and crew cared about these things, they certainly cared about all other aspects of this movie that make it so great.

Lastly, the chemistry. This movie, were it not for the chemistry between Nacar Zadegan, and Traci Dinwiddie, would be an above average romance movie. With it, it explodes on the screen! From their first glance that shows interest, to their open conversations, to the scene where there is that first spark that ignites the tinder, to the scene where the tinder begins to blaze a little more, to that scene... that scene where the flame is no longer small, but all-consuming, engulfing them... I don't even know if I can properly even describe it to you, to give it its due. You just are going to have to take my word for it, when you see this scene, you will be so affected, as I was, it's so amazingly beautiful and raw- the acknowledgment of Elena's feelings, her forthrightness, yet tempered with her knowledge that she may be changing things irrevocably, but with her stubborn, almost petulant need to charge forward into the abyss... And by the way, it's not a sex scene that I'm writing about (while there is sex in the movie, it's thoughtfully and provocatively muted, sensual, loving, while still being erotic and sexy!) Anyway, I'm probably letting my feelings thinking about this scene get away with me, but once again, please let me say to you, you deserve to see this scene, and by extension, the whole movie!

To summarize, and to close this somewhat lengthy and totally biased review, you need to see this movie. Yes you, straight man, as well as you, lesbian lady, and you too, curious lady. And hey, you too, straight woman with a boyfriend. All of you can put aside whatever baggage you're bringing to the table and watch this movie. If you aren't affected by this romance, this love story, this amazing retelling of how two people can meet, and fall in love, and run into problems, and become redeemed because of their unassailable love for each other, then you must be dead inside.

Elena Undone is one of the best indie and also lesbian movies i've seen in a long time. the acting by both main actresses was compelling. they had a lot of chemistry even without the love scenes. the other actors did a very good job as well. i'll mention Mary Wells as one of the best and Sabrina Fuster as a newcomer was surprisingly at ease in front of the camera. as for the story it was romantic but also had moments of tension and heartbreak. Nicole Conn, the director and writer was very good at getting all there was to get out of each actor, especially Traci and Necar. i could almost feel what each was going through in the very intense moments. there was also a lot of chemistry though not romantic between Traci and Mary. they really seemed like true friends. over all i'd say this movie should attract many people, more than just the lesbian population. it is first and foremost a love story.

I was disappointed and frustrated to see that the only review of this film so far was by a woman who had the nerve to dish on a film that she walked out of after only the first 40 minutes. Seems to me that that should automatically disqualify her review and critique on that grounds alone.

My partner and I, on the other hand, stayed for the entire film, and would have quite happily stayed for a second showing if they'd decided to have one. We agreed that it was the best lesbian film that we've ever seen (and we've seen most of them that are out there).

When the reality is that most (though thankfully not all) lesbian films are mediocre at best, and embarrassingly bad at worst, "Elena Undone" sets a new standard for what lesbian films can and should be: intelligently written, well-cast and well-acted and well-directed, with natural and believable dialogue, a storyline that is actually believable, and characters that you can relate to (and may even want to be friends with), and extremely erotic scenes that still manage to be tasteful and believable. It is rare to find all of these qualities in a mainstream blockbuster feature film, and nearly impossible to find them in lesbian movies, so I was thrilled almost beyond reason to see what can be accomplished in lesbian film-making.

And then there's the astounding beauty of the two co-stars and the incredible and believable passion and eroticism of the connection that builds between them as the movie evolves. To say that this was a satisfying element of the movie would be a serious understatement... I have never been so aroused by a film, and couldn't stop thinking about it for the entire week since I've seen it. I have watched the trailer at least once a day since and am totally hooked! I am not embarrassed to admit that I have fallen hopelessly in love with this exquisite film.

I encourage every woman-loving-woman out there (and our friends and allies) to do whatever it takes to SEE THIS FILM, even if it means buying it sight-unseen (yeah, it's THAT good!) We need to create a market for more high quality lesbian films like this, and the only way to do so is to provide support to the talented filmmakers who gift us with delicious movies like this one. SEE IT -- YOU WON'T REGRET IT! Kathy Berkeley, CA

To start out I'm going to say that Nicole Conn makes films about romance. If you've seen her other works (not counting the documentary about her son) I think it's clear that she is not going for the more edgy drama or romantic comedy she's trying for and I quote the film "the romance in love." That being said, I think this is her best dramatic feature yet. Budget with independent film, particularly lesbian or gay themed films, is always an issue which is why I think a lot of the time we get films that look like they were shot on a Sony handicam and have lead actors with about as much acting talent as a junior high drama club. I have to applaud the production team for being able to get the caliber of people that they did to make this film. The leads are stunning and have a very natural chemistry between them plus they can act! The camera work is good and the set designs were natural and realistic to the characters. There are other things in the film that aren't particularly noteworthy like the wardrobe and soundtrack but again I think those things are more of a budget thing. Okay yes the story does fall flat in certain spots and the rhythm does seem to shift in the second half of the film and yes there are some flaws in the editing (most of which I only noticed after watching my DVD about 10 times), but overall this is one of the better lesbian themed films out there. Again this film is not going to appeal to everyone, but to me this film does exactly what I think it promises which is to show you the romance in love. Hope this helps.

This movie is one everyone should see. The truth is that people fall in love; it can be messy; people may get hurt. The more complex reality is that we can really "sleep half our lives away" and wake to find our life is not what we believed it to be. We can have the best intentions; make the most detailed plan for our lives and wake to find nothing is the same.

Two women of good intention-adoption for God's sake- find themselves involved in an escalating romance. It doesn't matter what you think about gay, lesbian or even broken marriage vows, it happens.

And, the simple truth is no one talks about how a woman's world is split open by discovering that she can be sexually and romantically involved with another woman when that has never seemed "imaginable to her." No one talks about the collateral damage a woman will do on both sides of the equation because she has been conditioned to compromise, to "work it out."

So, Elena Undone talks about it; shows it; let's you live it for just a little while. Long kisses, glorious love-making, mine-field maneuvering in the land of disintegrating marriage; heart breaking choices in the pool of self-protection; and the simple notion that once the wreckage has been sorted, if it's true love, there is hope. That's all any of us want to believe, really. There is hope. AM I a romantic? Sure. I am living proof that the wreckage doesn't have to bury the flame. Twenty five years after meeting; with an 11 year separation, my soul mate and I just marked 13 years in June.

Go see the movie. Leave all your baggage at home. It's a movie. It tells a story and it makes you feel good; not bad...good!

Except for the very end, this is the story of my life. This story is very touching and accurately conveys all the emotion we felt as we lived it. As a lesbian falling in love with a married straight woman was the scariest thing I've ever done. I didn't mean for it to happen, but I had to follow my heart as Peyton followed hers.

The "love guru" was a little corny at times, but it allowed us to see other excerpts of love. Love truly comes in all shapes and sizes. I still have a hard time seeing him with that business tycoon, but who am I to judge. The emotion was suffocating, but most people can't understand that until they have lived it.

...And the best part is we are still madly, passionately, and totally in love even after 15 years...yes, love does conquer all.

Elena Undone is a breath of fresh air for Lesbians everywhere. It is well written, acted and directed. I was very pleased with the storyline and the outcome of the struggles that the two women face and endure. There was an obvious chemistry between the two main characters. The attractions were well played out and meaningful. Very romantic. I loved it.

The attraction between the confirmed Lesbian and the married woman is so inevitable. I enjoyed the obvious and subtle suggestions. It reminded me of my own experiences. The relationship between the two women slowly develops. It is not rushed. Thankfully, we don't have to wait for the end of the film to observe the attraction and how the women act upon it. This is a positive LGBT film that should be experienced by Gay, straight, or whatever floats your boat individuals. It is important to see that the two women are open to their relationship - whether it remain as a friendship as it starts or continue down the path of deeper and physical love.

I am very pleased that this film was made. There was a good amount of sensuality that is missing from so many LGBT and other romantic films. Nicole Conn is very good with the writing and directing. Thank goodness for Nicole Conn! I also loved the main characters. Kudos to all who made the film possible!

This is the best lesbian film I've ever seen. It's a film that would not just be appealing to a gay/lesbian audience but to anyone. The storyline is so wonderful and touching. It's full of emotion, life lessons, humor, great writing and directing and so much more. It also doesn't fail in the sexy category :) These characters are so real and have such great chemistry on screen that it makes the movie that much more believable. The anticipation of these two women getting together gives you butterflies. The build up is heart pounding. The first kiss is magic and historical....lasting more than a minute. With great acting, great music, great storyline....Elena Undone is a must see. Absolutely wonderful film! Nicole Conn doesn't let us down with this one!

Yes, my review is long, but I hope you'll hang in there.

Tastes vary, but a couple of reviews here make me wonder what film the reviewers were watching. I completely disagree with anyone who says this was a bad film. I just watched countless short films and other "features" at the LGBT film festival, and I've seen bad. This wasn't it. In fact, I registered on this site for the first time because this movie...well...moved me, and I don't want anyone to be swayed from giving it a chance due to people posting reviews based on not having seen the movie. Seems like it would be akin to taking the advice of a friend who recommends a doctor based on walking through the lobby, filling out paperwork, and walking out. The beginning of the movie includes exposition but is anything but torturous. If you don't want to feel, laugh, and root for two women to find happiness together, by all means, ignore this flick. Otherwise, gather the popcorn and your girl (or guy, or friends, or what have you) and get ready to be pleasantly surprised.

Elena Undone included the elements that a high majority of lesbian films neglect altogether, while successfully weaving together elements that most simply get wrong. Though there is angst in the complex coming together of two very different lives (as there needs to be), this movie also had laugh-out-loud humor, passion, heart, and -- something I personally appreciated -- no insane lesbians, homicidal lesbians, dying lesbians, or any insane, homicidal, dying lesbians. Right there, it beats most TV shows and movies out there (and yes, I'm still mourning Tara Maclay of Buffy fame). However, the mere absence of those clichés is not indicative of how I arrived at 9/10 for this movie.

Yes, in Elena Undone, there's a friend who's a relationship guru of sorts, and he occasionally narrates throughout the film, but there are far worse things in Gay Movieville than a personally and professionally respected, sweet, straight dude who's basically cheering for our girls from the get-go and is actually pretty charming in his optimism. In any case, he's hardly a focus of the film, and for me, his interjections didn't interrupt the flow of the storyline. The inserted snippets from "real life" couples are reminiscent of those in When Harry Met Sally, but it's a nice little glimpse into the lives of other brave souls who've found each other and made it work despite life getting in the way. The guru and the couples are a small part of the film overall.

Addressing another issue that many are chatting about online lately, yes, there's a long kiss between two women. A very long kiss. Over 3 minutes long. Ever been completely in love and lust with someone and wanted to make out for about a day and a half? That's what I felt coming from the screen during the scene; it was about the new, it was about discovery, it was about palpable attraction and affection. It's not a porn movie, so it was tastefully done, hot (for lack of a better term), and fitting within the context of the story.

The characters must process a lot during this movie's run, so anyone expecting every facet to be thoroughly examined is probably only in luck if someone decides to make a series of this film. I appreciated the inclusion of the family members' reactions to the relationship, as well as the fact that -- at least to some degree -- the filmmakers addressed the wake of chaos left after the relationship is discovered.

I know nothing about the back story of the filmmakers, so I can't say if this movie is a reflection of that or not. Frankly, I didn't and don't care. Regardless, it was realistic and beautiful, and compared to many films of this genre, it didn't have a low-budget vibe at all. I thought the clothing of the lead was less "Hey, I'm stuck in the 90s" and more "Hey, I'm the Repressed Wife of a Pastor," at least until she started to explore her feelings and the freedoms and choices available to her.

I gave this film 9 out of 10 because I felt there were some uneven moments and because I have a little thing about their *always* having to be babies involved (you'll see what I mean), but overall, I enjoyed the heck out of it and will be buying it. I get that I'm a total stranger, so I would bet that the fact I like it means pretty much zippo to you who are reading this. If it helps for perspective, two of my favorite lesbian-centric films are Tipping the Velvet and When Night is Falling.

So that's it. Thanks for reading, and have fun out there.

I cannot express enough how much I absolutely LOVED this movie. I originally found it when i was streaming for LGBT movies on Netflix which i like to watch when i have some downtime. I've seen plenty of movies so far,most are boring before they get interesting, but 'Elena Undone' captured my attention after watching up to 15 minutes of the movie.At first i thought it was some type of documented movie which i cannot stand. But I gave it chance and was blown away. I've seen the movie at least 9 times in the last 4 days and thats due to watching the movie twice one after another. The whole story line just makes you want to fall in love, and feel the love that that actresses felt in the movie. The passion and emotions that are portrayed just make you smile and feel so wrapped up in love. If you're someone who has been in love, or knows what it feels like to have someone who you cannot stop thinking about constantly should be able to relate to this movie. I really wish this movie was a lot more popular than it is because this movie DESERVES the attention. Necar Zadegan and Traci Dinwiddie are amazing actresses and each played their characters to the max. I couldn't ask for more. Nicole Conn is an amazing Writer/Director and i praise her work. It is phenomenal. This is a MUST-SEE Movie!

Elena Undone is by far, the best lesbian movie I've ever seen. The chemistry between the two women is palpable, the script is well written and believable, and the acting is wonderful by the two leading actresses as well as the supporting cast. Traci Dinwiddie (Peyton) especially stands out when she is preparing to share her feelings with her up-til-then platonic friend. Her discomfort yet innocent naivety was delightful. She conveys with one raised eyebrow or sigh, her embarrassed, self consciousness. There were two other scenes where she took my breath away: in the short love scene when her lover, Elena (Necar Zadegan), asserts herself sexually and Peyton is forced to face her own control & trust issues, fears, and vulnerability; and in the swimming pool when her pain overwhelms her after their breakup. Peyton's pain becomes our pain as she disappears sobbing underneath the shimmering water.

I actually regard The Longest Kiss as the first love scene in Elena Undone. The energy and determination with which Elena bursts into the room would cause any heart to race and the poignant dialogue between kisses rang so true that it only added to their rising passion. Necar Zadegan is enchanting as she wrestles with her new found reality of finding herself in love with a woman. She owns the screen in the morning-after breakfast scene and in the park when her dreams begin to crumble as Peyton emotionally steps back and pushes her away. Two other actresses deserve special mention: Mary Wells as Wave, Peyton's best friend, was fabulous! She's a best friend everyone would want. And Sabrina Fuster as Tori was simply charming. They both offered sterling performances.

One final mention…the music is remarkable. Between Jennifer Corday's "Make Me Come Undone", Marc Chait's score, and Sabrina Fuster's "Suddenly", the music pulls at our heartstrings and keeps us emotionally tuned in every moment.

In closing, I don't know how Nicole Conn does it. A great script is the key and this was indeed a wonderful, reality based script. The movie just gets better and better. It's important to note too that Nicole Conn has given us more than just a lesbian movie. It's a movie about relationships and an affirmation that if we pay close attention and truly show up in our lives, then our chances of finding love is better than we think.

Janet Liss

What makes this film so special is the human element, so beautifully portrayed by two superb actresses. So many lesbian films avoid the chance meeting or cut it too short and jump straight into bed which takes the magic away entirely.Not so here. Following their story was tantalising and seeing Elena and Peyton fell in love, their need to be with one another was tangible. The scenes of lovemaking are beautifully depicted, leaving much to the imagination and the effect is mesmerising. Their first kiss was memorable and may go down as one of the longest and most passionate kisses in cinema history A gem of a film in every way.

The movie "Elena Undone" completely touched me very deeply. In fact, I am using the film as a basis for better learning the craft of screen writing.

Everyone that had a part in the film did such a tremendously good job. I must say, I have watched it at least 20 times now, and have it listed as one of my favorite movies on NetFlix.

Necar and Traci were absolutely dynamic. They had such great chemistry. They helped to make the film top-notch. If they didn't get an award for best actors, I don't know why.

The plot was developed so well that it was easy to follow. There was plenty of tension between characters. The dialogue was sharp.

Nicole did an excellent job in directing the film. I consider her to be one of the best directors in Hollywood.

Thank you so much for creating the movie. Everyone that had a part in creating and presenting the film have to be commended for doing such a wonderful job. It was a well-rounded and very professionally done film.

Elena Undone (2010) was written and directed by Nicole Conn. I consider it a pretty standard wife-meets-lesbian love story. In fact, I'm surprised that the IMDb rating is as high as it is.

Elena (the lovely Necar Zadegan) has been married to a minister for many years. (They have a teenage son.) Something is missing from her marriage, and she's not very happy.

OK--lets examine the plot to this point. Her husband is pretty hypocritical, and succumbs to his parishioners who demand a strong anti-GLBT message from him. (I don't think he believes it, but he preaches it anyway. That's not OK.) But, he loves his wife, is respectful of her, and tries to be attentive to her needs and understanding of her problems. His worse fault, as his son tells him, is that he's "clueless." That's hardly an asset, but not the hideous defect it's made out to be. (Most of his cluelessness is that he doesn't realize his wife is having an affair, because he trusts her so much.) So, we move on.

His wife is attracted to--and falls in love with--Peyton, a lesbian writer, played by Traci Dinwiddie. There's also a guru named Tyler, played by Sam Harris. This role was so bizarre that I couldn't tell if Tyler was a real guru (i.e. don't laugh at him) or was supposed to be the comic relief.

At this point we have a wife in love with a lesbian woman, but she just can't make up her mind. My husband, my lover, my husband, my lover--What should I do? She decides to stay with her husband, but not let him "touch her," thereby remaining true to her lover. This despite a "romantic" vacation in Hawaii with her husband. (Either she did let him "touch her," or else he's the most understanding husband in the U.S.)

I think that what earned the movie its high ratings wasn't the plot, but the exotic beauty of Necar Zadegan. She's more Bollywood beautiful than Hollywood beautiful, but, in any case, you can't take your eyes off her. So, she may be an unfaithful wife and a less-than-perfect mother, but that's OK. If she had bad hair, a bad face, and a bad body, no one would care about her as she agonizes about what to do next. So, as they say, "Being beautiful doesn't hurt." However, being about a lesbian romance doesn't automatically make a movie a great movie either. In my mind, this isn't a great movie, beautiful star or not.

We saw this film in the Little Theatre at the exceptional ImageOut: Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. It will work very well on DVD.

Last night at the Philly Qfest, the director of this film blamed her lesbian audience for why her film was low-budget (she says it's because "lesbians don't go to the movies...").

Low-budget doesn't explain why the narrative rhythm of her feature film was reminiscent of a deaf, dumb, and blind elementary school's band who's music teacher is conducting over the web. No pace. No rhythm. The first 30 minutes was the worst. Needs to be re-edited!!! Eventually, the film did improve significantly, and at times, was very funny. The acting was good and I appreciated the casting.

However, overall,the story itself reeked of self-indulgence and attempted to cater too much to the real life back story of its filmmakers at the expense of developing an authentic narrative that could breathe on its own. So much of this film simply needed to be re-edited. The psychic guru guy... I understand his character and finally got around to liking him but he needs a completely revised introduction into the script. It simply doesn't work.

One thing I didn't understand was the wardrobe of the lesbian protagonist's character. The story seemed to be set in 2010 but her wardrobe was very 1990's. The actor didn't look comfortable in those clothes. Again, was this artistic detail (e.g. wardrobe) catering to the integrity of the autobiographical story over the authenticity of its recreation?

Oh, and about that long kiss....it was long. Too long. Sadly, it looked too staged and indulgent to the filmmakers rather than seeming authentic to the actual characters. It's nice when art has the potential to imitate life but it has to happen naturally. It can't just happen for it's own sake.

Lastly, a low-budget breeds creativity. I liked what was done with inserting the "real life" stories of heterosexual lovers. It was a nice touch which has been successfully executed in other films but in this film, it didn't fit in seamlessly. I've never seen such careless editing and loose story structure with all the flashbacks, and side stories, and voice-overs. More time was needed to tighten up this film. The acting itself would make it worth seeing again if it was re-edited.

saw the trailer for this movie and waited patiently for it to be released on DVD. Nicole conn is just a handful of lesbian filmmakers out there and this was the best of the bunch...aside from the awful Claire of the moon. it has the standard and predictable story of a married woman with a teenage son who is having difficulties in her marriage and realizes she has fallen out of love with her husband who just happens to be a pastor of the local church.

Elena the title character and her husband Barry are trying to have another child. Elena decides to visit an adoption agency as an alternative option, where she meets lesbian novelist Peyton. the two hit it off and start spending a lot of time together and getting to know each other. eventually things heat up when Elena realizes that she has developed a strong attraction to Peyton who is wary of the situation. Peyton knows that Elena is married and has a child and tries to end the friendship before it leads to something more. but poor Elena can't stop thinking about Peyton and the times they have spent together and keeps coming back...phoning her, showing up at her her doorstep.

Elena's husband Barry is all too clueless to figure out his wife's extracurricular activities. Elena tries to initiate a physical relationship with Peyton who lets her know that once they go forward there is no going back and the consequences that may surface if their relationship is discovered.

the two lead actresses are attractive and have very good chemistry, so the love scenes were believable and sensual...nothing too graphic.

however, i do feel that Elena was neglecting her husband and son and eluding her responsibilities as a wife and mother in order to carry on her affair with Peyton. knowing that she was no longer in love with Barry but stringing him along was selfish...she was un-willing to communicate with him or talk about her feelings.

yes, Barry had no backbone when it came to preaching his homophobic sermons mostly due to pressure from his congregation who were also organizing pickets against gay rights and marriage. but i don't think that should be a reason for Elena to cheat on him regardless of gender. she should have been up-front about their marriage and problems she was experiencing. at least Barry tried to open the walls of communication but Elena completely shut him out.

Elena's son Nash, who discovers the affair, goes haywire ie. shoplifting, drinking and cutting school...his way of dealing with the devastating situation...fully aware that his parents marriage may be over.

aside from the above issues i had with the movie, it was over-all a positive film watching experience. one of the better and positive lesbian films. check it out for yourself.

Oh, I love this film so much!!! I just can't stress it enough. I watched this film several years back, when I first began to explore sexuality and understand who I am. To me, Elena Undone wasn't only a great, memorable film (as a movie-goer and a filmmaker), it was also personally helpful and I will always be grateful to dir. Nicole Conn who created it. Elena Undone is a powerful, moving piece of film, maybe because it feels so realistic, and also because everything works well: the script /dialogue, the performances, production design etc. I strongly recommend everyone to watch - even if you're not LGBTQ or 'curious'. You will still find this film entertaining, enriching and touching.

I ran across Elena Undone when I was going through a dark time in my life. The intensity of this movie held me from the very beginning to the very end. The love in this movie wowed me into giving life another chance, be- cause I want to experience the very love that these two women have. The movie is emotional, intense, heart gripping, deep, and absolutely lovely in all ways possible. Traci Dinwiddie has become a role model for me, because she lives through the character and you can see her heart. She is not only a great actress, but she has a gift of expression that leaves you wanting more or hoping that it will never end. If you have not seen this movie, please do! You will not be disappointed! For those of us who have seen it, it is a love that the soul thirsts for and brings about hope in our very beings.

I think this is a different and sweet love story that takes the audience so deeply in that you stop wondering if the lead roles of are gay or straight or whatever else.

With well constructed drama and psychological deepness on their main characters, Elena Undone s an ode to diversity, freedom, true self and love beyond cultural taboos and prejudices.

A nice story -based on a true story in fact- that will move women, men, gay, straight.

Well done!

You must watch it.

I have been reading the reviews of this movie on this site and I wonder if I saw the same movie. In fact I have seen it a couple of times now and enjoyed it both times. I'll admit the story is a little different but I found it interesting. This was a love story - who does not enjoy a great love story. Both women coming from two different places meet, and over time fall in love. One is married with a son which of course will complicate things. Even though you know that throughout the movie that people will be hurt, I found myself rooting for them to get together. I thought that Nicole Conn's slow developing of the relationship going from friendship to lovers was outstanding. They could not help themselves - period. Two beautiful actresses that were not only beautiful but talented made this movie hard for me to take my eyes off it for a second. Was it perfect? I don't know - I sort of enjoyed the different story line of love guru, Pastor of a hateful church etc. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see not just a lesbian movie but a movie about finding love.

I would not call this a lesbian movie. This is a love story everyone with an open mind would enjoy. The movie touches your soul. It's real, maybe because it's inspired by Nicole Conn's real life story. It's beautifully written, directed and the lead actors are treat to watch. It's not about only physical attraction two women have for each other, it's about finding your soul-mate. The on-screen chemistry between Necar and Traci is so real and believable. This has become one of my all-time favorite movie. It doesn't matter whether your are straight or gay, you will love this movie, it will make you believe in love.

I would rate this - 9/10.

It was interesting watching Elena Undone for the first time, as it's a favorite of many of my friends, and my expectations were high. At first, the movie feels a bit piecemeal, like a collage of the characters background intermixed with an essay on soul mates. But as the narrative emerges, the gorgeous Necar Zadegan and stunning Tracey Dinwiddle's stellar performances seduce the audience as they seduce each other. The chemistry between the women is simply electric. Conn delivers a depth of relationship not commonly portrayed on the screen. As Elena's doomed life spirals further into chaos, it's unclear whether she'll have the courage to break her sense of duty to grab hold of a once in a lifetime opportunity for happiness.

Time will prove that Elena Undone is one of the great lesbian romances of all time.

Q.C. Masters – Author of the Path Not Chosen

This movie is a must see! The story is pretty simple still very enjoyable. The inclusion of the church and some Christians' attitude towards homosexuality spices it up a bit. The love story between two women is portrayed in a realistic manner.

The chemistry between the two main characters is perfect, it's hard to believe that they are just acting. The whole emotional spectrum that one experiences in such a situation is covered with excellence - the energy, expectations, curiosity, hesitation, doubt, optimism, determination, sadness, hopefulness - all of it is in there, in the right places.

Traci Dinwiddie delivers an outstanding performance. My personal favorite being the scene where Peyton tells Elena about the situation "What I just said", where she balances a handful of contradicting and deep emotions with such perfection. She doesn't let the funny part in the scene wipe out the seriousness in the rest of the scene.

Watch this if you want to experience what it's like to be in love!

If you are a hopeless romantic like myself, do not, repeat, DO NOT watch this movie. If you do, like me, you will find yourself spending all of your free time (and some of your not-so-free time) watching it over and over again. Then, learn there is originally unseen extra footage you can rent, and go through the same drill.

This beautiful little art-house film certainly packs a wallop. It starts out a little differently than one would expect - you think maybe you've stumbled across a fascinating little documentary. But soon you are transfixed and find yourself immersed inside the characters' lives. The acting alone in the film is brilliant. The chemistry between the two leading actresses is incredible, and the love scenes are some of the most tastefully done, tender and sensual love scenes I have ever seen. What an amazing director Nicole Conn is! The chance to witness history notwithstanding (the longest kiss in cinema history is in this movie, folks!), it is unfortunate that because the film is classified as a lesbian film, more people will never see this movie simply because they may never hear about it. Pure and simple, this is a love story. Anyone who loves love stories would love this film. So, to all you hopeless romantics out there, gay or straight, ignore my first sentence and treat yourself to this remarkable movie experience.

I was SO wanted to enjoy this film, or at least praise its virtues. But the night I saw it (at its premiere at the Frameline Festival in San Francisco) everyone in my row was wincing and giggling. And finally, I just left the theater after 40 minutes. Withstand this onslaught of cinematic bludgeoning for that long was enough. I gave it my best shot.

I mean, it's a story you want to support with its heart is in the right place. But from the opening minutes, I had this sinking sensation as the voice-over, without a shred of camp or irony, began to give us an uber-sincere lecture on love and soulmates.

And it was downhill from there. If you like your movies with a hearty side of sledgehammer, you'll love this one. Every few minutes a character would arise to tell you what to think or feel. One of the worst was 'love guru-psychic man' with his awful teeth-gnashing, 'spiritual' speeches...but other characters hammered away too.

Soon I was suffocating.

So it was the first time in 25 years of gay film festivals, I just walked out. Escaped to a beautiful, cold, foggy San Francisco night.

Where I could breathe again.