Carrie Pilby (2017)

I loved this movie when it came to streaming in June and I love it even more after watching it a second time. The lead actress "carries" the entire movie impressively well; she is beautiful and brilliant, adult yet childlike, an idealist who is learning how to cope better in the real world (mostly with the help of her kindly therapist, played by Nathan Lane). Carrie Pilby seems to me a bit like Allie McBeal meets Sex in the City (but no sex) with a schmear of The Big Bang Theory. Carrie skipped three grades in London before going to Harvard at age 14, whence she graduated at 18. One year later, she has made a home in New York City, which is almost a character in the film (as it so often is). She prefers the company of books and her own thoughts, even as her therapist encourages her to dip a toe into the wading pool of interacting with others. She meets two quirky co-workers, two potential suitors, and reconciles with her father after a great scene involving his defense of her most treasured book. There are not many movies where a highly intelligent young woman is appreciated for her knowledge, wit, and moral standards; even her quirks are cool. More than Carrie herself, though, the movie "carries" a sense of community, that we are all meant to help each other, even if at times we have hurt each other. The scriptwriting for this film is simply stellar. Enjoy! 5 stars. (9-26-2017)