By: Mariah Thomas
Perfect is a whirlwind of a journey that simply exists. There is no major travesty that takes place or looming pain. It is a movie that is a glimpse at life. The viewers meet a set of characters at the current point they are in and though little tidbits are shared, the focus is on the present. Though there would be room for more backstory on each character, it isn’t needed to enjoy the film and understand the point. Perfect is a perfect film.
The narrative film Perfect follows Kai (Ashley Moore) who gets stuck in a rundown small town. We are dropped right into Kai’s story as she is on a never ending road trip. It is a mystery though as to what she may be running from or where she is intending to go. At a rest stop she first encounters Mallory (Julia Fox) when Kai is in need of help to pay for some items at a gas station. The attendant, Sunny (Lío Mehiel), can tell Kai is in need of help. So, he gives her a tip to bathe in the lake when she is in search of a place to shower. Then, Kai ends up staying in town an extra day and while at a bonfire with Sunny and his friends her car is destroyed by an unknown assailant. She is understandably devastated as that is clearly the only thing she has. Mallory lives in a cabin near the lake and is quick to offer assistance. At times her help seems sisterly or maternal, but the tone is quickly made clear to be romantic. It leaves room to wonder if she is responsible for Kai’s car in order to keep her around. The rest of the film unfolds the chaos that erupts from Kai discovering secrets Mallory has been keeping.
This is the type of film I am always in search of. Naturally, I was enamored with each character no matter how much screen time they had. Having such a small cast, each role is very crucial and intentional. Julia Fox does a wonderful job at making Mallory likable while also having this huge cloud of mystery surrounding her. Though you like her, you don’t always trust her. Kate Moennig has such a minimal role only appearing in one scene; however, her presence in the film sets a firm dominance. The quick encounter makes the audience feel the opposite of the way they do for Mallory – she is not likable but there is something to trust. Ashley Moore shines as Kai. As the viewer, you root for her to find a new path.
Millicent Hailes is both the director and co-writer of this film. Previously having only directed music videos, this marks her directorial feature debut. With her past experience in film, Hailes knows how to make a small space feel massive. Though we mostly see deserted land where the gas station is settled, there is a strong understanding of the town.
Perfect has become my 2026 SXSW favorite find. There is so much story left to tell if this narrative feature continues into other films, but there is a beautiful finality to it as well.