Colewell

Colewell is a 2019 American drama film written, directed, and co-edited by Tom Quinn. It stars Karen Allen as a rural postmaster who struggles to find purpose when her office is suddenly closed and she is faced with retirement. Kevin J. O'Connor and Hannah Gross appear in supporting roles.

The film had its world premiere at the 62nd San Francisco International Film Festival on April 13, 2019. It was simultaneously released in limited theaters and on DVD, Blu-ray, and video on demand on December 13, 2019, by Gravitas Ventures. It received positive reviews from critics, who mostly praised Allen's performance. At the 35th Independent Spirit Awards, the film was nominated for Best Female Lead (for Allen) and the John Cassavetes Award.

Cast

 * Karen Allen as Nora Pancowski
 * Kevin J. O'Connor as Charles
 * Hannah Gross as Ella
 * Daniel Jenkins as Al Catarro
 * Craig Walker as Bob Susskind
 * Malachy Cleary as Gray
 * Catherine Kellner as Claire
 * Tobias Segal as Andy
 * Cathie Pauley as Pete
 * Bonnie Klein as Delores
 * Juney Smith as Anthony

Release
The film premiered at the San Francisco International Film Festival on April 13, 2019.

Critical response
Nick Schager of Variety stated, "Colewell is a character study that's almost too subdued for its own good. Fortunately, writer-director Tom Quinn has a keen eye for telling details, as well as a superb lead actress in Karen Allen." Schager also commented that "the film's finely crafted serenity is in keeping with its main character's secluded state of affairs, and mind." Stephen Farber of The Hollywood Reporter opined, "Unlike many movies shot in places far from where they are meant to take place, this one has an authenticity that makes a noticeable difference. Although Colewell could have benefited from pruning away some of its eccentricities, it pays eloquent tribute to a woman who fights against a life erased." Carlos Aguilar of the Los Angeles Times called the film "a drama as endearingly demure as its leading lady." Aguilar highlighted Allen's performance, writing that "Colewell finally granted her the platform for the most remarkable onscreen rendition of her career. Contemplative, her longing stare extends beyond the nearby fields and into the past."