Permanent Record

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Nov 20, 2020 This moved me. Not perfect, but an immensely sincere and incredibly well handled journey through the feelings of losing someone to suicide, especially in highschool. There may be a few awkwardly written/acted moments (like maybe literally one or two) but overall this movie really hits where it needs to. It's also not overly dour, I didn't feel like it was relentless or manipulative in its sadness, it has a breath to it. It's engaging as well as heartbreaking, ultimately leading to a very hopeful and life giving end result. I've never seen Alan Boyce in anything before this but his portrayal is amazing and really makes you care about the character and understand his internal state just enough so you really feel the loss. In fact I've never seen anyone in this besides Keanu of course, who is also very good. But everyone actually feels like real kids in this, and their perspectives round out very well. Anyway, watch this movie. See more

Oct 1, 2019 Keanu Reeves, Suicide, and a Lou Reed cameo what more do I need to say. See more

Jun 26, 2017 I saw this 25 years ago and remember it to this day. Memorable and profound. See more

Feb 27, 2015 Felt more like an after school special! See more

Jun 20, 2014 Many films and television series have tackled the issue of teen suicide over the years, but few have done so with the grace and dignity of "Permanent Record". This is a little seen, deeply moving feature that deserves a wider audience. It gives little clues into why the Allan Boyce character here commits suicide, and it doesn't purport to have all the answers. That only enhances the film's realism. In the opening scenes, Keanu Reeves is distracting as he was seemingly prepping for his next big role in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure", but there is a lot more going on with his character than meets the eye. His affecting performance is the dramatic center of the picture, and you greatly sympathize with him. I also appreciated the adults in the film, especially Richard Bradford as the school's principal. It would be easy to make him and the parents the enemy here, but they are grieving too and actually understand the students. There is a wonderful scene where an anguished and intoxicated Reeves nearly kills Boyce's younger brother and he finally breaks down to his friend's father. The drama culminates in the film's final scene at the school play, where a fragile and delicate Jennifer Ruben breaks character and pays beautiful tribute to her fallen friend, and it's the highlight of the actress' burgeoning career. The subject is stale, but "Permanent Record" has a fresh voice that remains as impactful today as it was upon its initial release. It's a small film that will stay with you. See more

May 22, 2014 It was just okay. Some strong moments here and there but fairly flat overall. See more

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Permanent Record

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