Warm, Funny and Wonderful
Sherry from Outlook Press has already hit the high points of plot and characters (see her thorough, capable review here on this site), so I will spare a rehash and instead talk about themes.

What I liked best about this movie was the sense of history that the characters had with one another. They've been friends a long time, and they display toward one another that sometimes cautious balance and sometimes reckless running-off-at-the-mouth that good friends so often do. None of them want to hurt the others, and yet with so much history, sometimes even the most innocuous observation can cut to the quick. At the same time, it is just those sorts of observations or comments that are the impetus for the small changes the characters make in this one weekend they spend together.

So often, lesbians have had to create their own Chosen Family in the face of pressure and lack of acceptance from birth families. This is an issue for some of these characters. They do find respite with one another, as well as tension and misunderstanding. But the theme of learning and growing by interaction with others runs strong in this story. For anyone who has ever wished for a "Big Chill" type of group to hang around, this movie is a chance to live vicariously. These are seven women who, if they really existed, I would enjoy knowing.

Finally, like so many movies with lesbian themes, this one has been shorted in the area of production values. Despite a bit of choppiness and the sound being tinny in a few spots, the acting is good, the plot flows well, and in less than 100 minutes, viewers will find themselves caring about these characters and what happens to them.

Twenty years from now (when I hope lesbian films are well-financed and plentiful!), we'll look back at this movie as an early pioneer. I have owned it since it was released on VHS in 1997, and it holds up well under repeat viewings. I have very much enjoyed introducing others to it who have not seen it, and I would highly recommend it as warm, funny, and wonderful.

"Everything Relative"ý A Lesbian Big Chill
Films targeted for lesbian audiences are seldom able to meet more mainstream standards, but Everything Relative is a well-written, provocative story of seven women coming together for a weekend to celebrate the birth of a child. One can't put this much chemistry together in one place, though, and not expect some amazing things to happen.

Friends in college, all have a shared history, at least in part, much of which is unresolved. An old relationship must be confronted when Josie and Maria become painfully aware of a conversation they should have had many years ago, and they must now find a way to put misunderstandings to rest. We watch as they struggle with a past neither of them could control, and question what the future might hold if they could somehow reach out to each other.

Victoria and Katie, mothers of the child bringing the group together, deal with relationship issues brought on by external pressures including a child, financial inequality, and career vs. family pride. When Victoria drops her lover's hand as a colleague approaches them in public, a debate begins within the group that covers very real issues facing all lesbians in today's society. How much is our pride worth, and how much power is actually lost by letting the Far Right draw their own conclusions?

All will be intrigued by Luce, the sexual dynamo with rock-hard abs and a sexy voice to boot, who must come to terms with herself and her past, and with the ghost she harbors in both places. Luce is partly what we all want in a lover and partly what we all want to be -- serious yet wild, desired yet strong, beautiful yet vulnerable. But if Luce is ever to break the endless stream of casual affairs she seems both able to start and end with a fair amount of apathy she must let go of Sonja, the perfect lover, who died many years ago, and who keeps Luce's heart from taking chances and losing the game.

Gena could be the one to bring Luce back among the living. With her sarcastic wit and movie-star looks, she is the songstress who sings life back into the hallowed place reserved for Sonja, and brings a less serious pace to the film. She looks like fluff but, in the end, it is Gena who reveals more of life's truths than we deemed her capable.

"Everything Relative" features outstanding performances by the entire cast, and addresses many lesbian issues while providing great storylines and interesting characters. Those looking for racy love scenes will not be disappointed, as the film is not to be outdone in this area either. This group can heat up a Northampton night better than most, without compromising the integrity of the film or our expectations of the characters. They play, laugh, and love the way we would if we were them, and in a way that truly depicts many lesbian lifestyles.

-OutLook Press

The best movie I own!
Everything Relative is the best lesbian movie I have seen to date. The acting is poor in the beginning but as the story develops, the acting gets better and the story pulls you in. The main thing to say about this movie is, it has a STORY. It's not just about sex. I recommend this movie to any lesbian!

OK to watch once
I saw this film once. I bought it quite some time ago and have only watched it once. I would recommend renting it instead of buying it. The plot was somewhat interesting and the movie had it's moments, but overall it was just-"OK". The end of the movie is when it gets a bit better and there are intimate scenes between the characters. Borrow it from a friend or rent it. It is worth seeing once, but not worth owning.

Can we have more?
For all of the lesbian genre films there are (or actually aren't) out there, it is refreshing to watch a movie that has a complete collection of talent. While the plot was loosely written, the characters (and the portrayals of the characters) and their interaction as a syudy of lesbian lives - was interesting, enjoyable and worth sharing. The unrated version... all I can say is Thank you. Tasteful, erotic and steamy tension! Was it a little predictable - only because we we wanted it to work out that way - on screen and in our lives. Don't deny it! But what a wonderful job, compared to any other attempt. All I can say to the entire cast - WELL DONE! Worth watching - worth owning! And if you are an Andrea Weber fan - there is plenty to study of our beautiful gymnist! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SUCCESS! Could I listen to Gabriella sing all day? Just buy it; you'll see! IF I am wrong - auction it... it WILL get snatched up right away! What do you have to lose?