Don't listen to the negative reviews

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

As I grow older, and without a family of my own, I can live vicariously through the imagination of others, and see what I would want in my own child. The qualities seen in Daisy is how I dream a child should be allowed to BE: honest, forthright, able to speak from the heart. I absolutely agree with the storyteller, and love this movie so much. Thank you all for a beautiful story.

If you're reading the reviews for this movie, it only means you're a fan of obscure, lesser known films and you're wondering if you should give this one a chance. I say go for it.I gave this movie an 8 because I think it exemplifies unique and pleasant storytelling but ends up rushing some of the later parts of the film. At only a 90 minute runtime, this easily could've been 110-120 in order to more deeply define certain relationships and aspects of the world of Daisy Winters. The film starts out with a very charming and well written relationship between an 11 year old girl and her terminally ill mother. Brooke Shields does a masterful job in her role and ends up being one of the most likable characters in recent memory. There isn't much to be said about the film's actual plot without completely ruining it, but let's just say the movie's charm takes a drastic turn near the midway point with the exit of Brooke Shields.Daisy is obviously the main character of the film, as the title would suggest, but I feel that the relationship between her and her mother was more in the spotlight than just her. And I think that's kind of the point. Their mother/daughter relationship was so drawing and enviable that once it disappears from the screen, you truly are left with a little bit of a disappointment. Again, that's probably the point. Overall, there was a very elegant dance between the script and the actors, as we see a small ensemble of neighbors come together to communally care for a girl who's mother is dying. There is a certain exploration of themes here, and I think one of them that was most poignant was this idea of loss. Loss can be felt in millions of different ways by millions of different people. To see it from the eyes of an independent, confident and quirky 11 year old girl was a refreshing and welcome perspective.8/10

I love seeing films I have not seen trailers for beforehand, and also love discovering films I hadn't heard about: both applied to "Daisy Winters," as I unexpectedly found it playing at two theaters here in Sacramento, CA while doing my weekly showtime and title search online for films opening this week and playing locally. I like Brooke Shields and her acting range (her hilariously over-the-top performance as the "neighbor from Hell" on TV's "The Middle" sitcom comes to mind as just how against-type she can play so well) over all these years, so my best friend and I decided to throw caution to the wind and pay to see it. We were both rewarded: this film walks a tightrope, with characters you're very aware could go dark or in any direction at any moment, including stereotyped paths seen in many films before this one, but who instead turn out to be fully-realized humans trying to do their best and grow as adults (including children forced to grow up too soon), and sometimes succeeding. I've seen a few character studies this year that made me feel as quietly exhilarated as this film did: "Wonder," with Julia Roberts, Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird," and the sadly under-appreciated "The Book of Henry." I highly recommend this film for anyone who loves character studies that take you on a fresh and unexpected journey of life experiences.

I knew nothing of this film other than that Brooke Shields was in the cast. I like to see films, particularly independent films that I know nothing about occasionally. This film succeeds on many levels: interesting story full of twists, turns and keeps you wondering what will happen next; excellent acting by all involved; and packs quite an emotional whallop at times. The choice of songs scattered throughout also add much to the atmosphere. Brooke Shields and the young actress who plays her daughter are standouts, but all of the players are perfectly cast and make an impact. Truly, an unexpected gem. 10/10 for what it is-- an indie surprise!