Finding Nicole: A film that speaks to survivors like me.

It’s not every day that a film comes along and reaches into your chest, holds your heart in its hands, and tells you: I see you. But that’s exactly what Finding Nicole, directed by Harley Wallen, did for me.

As an indie actress, I admire when a story is told with purpose — when it’s more than just entertainment and becomes a vessel for truth. But beyond my profession, I watched this film through the lens of a domestic violence survivor and a mother still helping her children heal.

Some days are still hard. Healing, especially with children involved, comes in waves. Their dad has gotten help, and we are trying to rebuild something healthier from the wreckage. But trauma doesn’t follow a neat timeline. It lingers in unexpected ways. Watching Finding Nicole reminded me that our pain isn’t invisible, and our survival isn’t small.

One of the most powerful aspects of this film is the way it handles its true story with both grit and grace. Kaiti Wallen delivers a phenomenal, emotionally grounded performance as Nicole. Her portrayal is raw, human, and heartbreakingly real. She embodies the quiet strength of someone who has been shattered and still chooses to stand — not just for herself, but for those she loves. As a mother, I felt every moment. As an actor, I was blown away by her depth.

Harley Wallen, as both director and storyteller, approaches this delicate subject matter with care and integrity. He doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but he also doesn’t leave us there. The film offers something all survivors desperately need: hope.

Finding Nicole is not just a film — it’s a call for awareness, for compassion, and for continued conversations around domestic violence. It’s also a tribute to the resilience of survivors and the families trying to rebuild.

To anyone out there still struggling: this film is for you.

You are not alone. You are not broken. And there is a way forward.

Thank you to everyone involved in Finding Nicole for telling a story that truly matters.

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