Watch A Short History of Drugs in the Valley

Based on real events, A Short History of Drugs in the Valley is a gripping drama that follows a group of young people in California's San Fernando Valley as they navigate the dangerous world of drug addiction in the early 2000s. The film centers around three main characters: Siera (played by Siera Cerny), a bright and ambitious teenager who struggles to resist the allure of alcohol and drugs; Ian (played by Ian Crighton), Siera's boyfriend and a troubled young man who falls deeper into addiction as the film progresses; and Lily (played by Lily Crighton), Ian's younger sister who is forced to confront her own addiction when her brother's drug use puts her in danger.

The film is divided into three chapters, each one focused on a different drug: alcohol, methamphetamine, and heroin. Through each chapter, we see the devastating impact of addiction on the lives of these young people and their families.

The first chapter, focused on alcohol, begins with Siera's high school graduation party. As the night wears on, the partygoers become increasingly drunk and reckless, leading to a tragic accident that changes Siera's life forever. This event sets in motion a chain of events that leads Siera down a dangerous path of addiction.

In the second chapter, focused on methamphetamine, we see Ian's descent into addiction as he turns to meth to numb his pain and escape the pressures of his troubled home life. As Ian's addiction spirals out of control, he becomes increasingly violent and unpredictable, putting his relationship with Siera and his own life at risk.

The final chapter, focused on heroin, follows Lily as she becomes addicted to prescription painkillers and ultimately transitions to using heroin. Through Lily's story, we see the devastating impact of opioid addiction on communities across the country and the urgent need for better treatment and prevention strategies.

Throughout the film, we also see the impact of addiction on the families and loved ones of these young people. Siera's mother, played by veteran actress Barbara Bain, struggles to understand her daughter's addiction and find a way to help her. Ian's mother, played by Conchata Ferrell, struggles to cope with her son's addiction and the devastating effects it has on their family.

While the film is certainly a bleak and harrowing depiction of addiction, it also offers a glimmer of hope. We see the incredible resilience of these young people and their families as they fight to overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives. Through their stories, we see the power of human connection and the importance of community in healing from addiction.

Overall, A Short History of Drugs in the Valley is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a compassionate and nuanced look at the complex issue of addiction. With strong performances from its talented cast and a compelling narrative, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the human stories behind this epidemic.