First time director shoots for the stars with debut film

Director and writer Jennifer Corcoran takes on the ideas of realism and spirituality with her debut feature film "She Sings to the Stars." The "she" in the title is elderly Native American woman Mabel, who’s played by the captivating Fannie Loretto.

Mabel dots around her small farmland that hasn’t seen rain in years but is convinced that it’s all going to turn good soon enough. The magic begins when fading travelling magician Lyle (Larry Cedar) breaks down in front of her house on the way to a low paying mall gig.

Lyle is desperate to leave this land of limbo but needs the one precious thing that isn’t available - water, to get his car and show back on the road. The magician’s internal tank is running on empty too as his worn face shows little signs of hope.

Mable tries to convince him that there are healing spirits in the arid land that surrounds her house but the magic man just isn’t having it.

When a third and unexpected visitor shows up at the property the story begins to take its spiritual journey and Lyle gets swept up in it whether he likes it or not.

Shot in the beautiful land of Northern New Mexico the scenery is just as eye-catching as the actors on screen. Tapped with a small cast that only consists of three people, Corcoran has written a screenplay that explores all three characters and showcases their inner turmoil, aspirations and frustrations.

The one thread that ties the players on screen together is music. Mable sits in her chair at night singing to the clear desert skyline. Lyle hums old timey tunes while strumming at a guitar.

Loretto’s portrayal of the insanely sweet Mabel can be a little wooden at times but that can be forgiven considering it’s her acting debut.

"She Sings to the Stars" is a step in the right direction for Corcoran as it showcases some great storytelling through minimal dialogue and interesting characters that reveal their souls on screen.

The pacing is a little slow and the spiritual aspects can be a little off putting but the payoff in the end is worth it.

RATING: 3 out of 5