West Girl I thought Erica Leerhsen did an amazing job in this film. I remember her from her other films, Texas Chain Saw, Wrong Turn 2, etc, but this little independent film was at her best yet. Maybe she's maturing, maybe the director? Who knows for sure but she was excellent. Far as the film itself, again not bad, not bad at all, was very attention grabbing and not wanting to miss a beat, hard to follow at times. Was classified as Christian and Faith. HMMMM, definitely a message there but I think devout Christians may be disturbed. Not sure on budget but claims around $250K, so another grandiose award for that as it appeared to be a much bigger budget film. All of the supporting acting was solid and performed well. At times the films does have an independent feel as it is, but for the most part you quickly forget that it is. I would like to see this on DVD.

Patrick Ash Caught this film at the Cape Fear Film Fest, where it was the Grand Winner. I'm going to give The Message a solid 7. If were a bit easier to follow I would have bumped this to an 8. After the director Thomas Clay spoke about the film, I did understand how the scenes and bits of information connected together. He did say it is a very difficult film to follow, as if you miss a scene, or are not paying attention, you will lose track, so I did not feel to dumb after all!. I thought the acting for an independent was excellent really. Erica Leerhsen did a fantastic job with emotions running all over the board, so hats off to the director as well. The film is roughly 88 minutes, I felt it could have been 3-4 minutes shorter in length and at times, like many low budget independents, some scenes drag a little, but the action does pick up quickly and is worth waiting for. Soundtrack and music was excellent and right on Que. I would like to see this film again....as I think I will now understand it! Christians beware, there are some very controversial scenes in this film...but it ultimately does drive home a "Message".