“So live, that when thy summons comes to   
The innumerable caravan, which moves   
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take   
His chamber in the silent halls of death,   
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,   
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed   
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave,   
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch   
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” 

Driveways boasts an exceptional story about the spaces we can still occupy even when we’re no longer present physically. While watching, it almost feels as though you’ve been invited into the homes of the characters to witness their story firsthand rather than sitting in your own home watching a movie. 

With a score, camerawork, and performances that exemplify it, Driveways thrives in its vulnerability and intimacy. The emotional weight of the story tiptoes in and settles in slowly, in a way where you can’t help but let out a shuddering breath as the credits roll. Or for innumerous other moments throughout the runtime. What a poetic way for me to say I cried A LOT while watching. 

Driveways is absolutely a sleeper of the year. Luckily, it received a fair amount of praise within the indie award circuit last winter before FilmRise snagged the rights to it. Add it to your radars people! It’s a beauty! 

I personally added this to my watchlist after reading Teresa’s review earlier this year. Highly recommend giving that a read as well if you so please! 

2020 Ranked