Barren Trees is a 2018 independent film directed by Ryan Eatherton. It tells the story of three women who cross paths in a small town in Ohio, each dealing with their own personal struggles. The first character we meet is Jamie (Hilda Acen Earsy), a young woman who has just returned to her hometown after dropping out of college. She is struggling to find her place and direction in life, feeling lost and overwhelmed by her family's expectations. Jamie spends her days working at a local diner and caring for her sick grandmother.
The second character is Amber (Celine Au-Yeung), a recent high school graduate who is grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic event. She spends her days working at a grocery store and trying to avoid the judgmental stares of her small town neighbors.
The third character is Donna (Sadie Cartolano), a middle-aged woman who is dealing with the aftermath of a divorce and the struggles of being a single mother. She works as a real estate agent but is struggling to make ends meet and provide for her child.
As the story unfolds, we see how the lives of these three women intersect and how they support each other through their struggles. They form an unlikely bond and provide each other with the strength to face their problems head-on.
One of the themes that run throughout the movie is the idea of family and community. Jamie realizes that her family's love and support is what truly matters in life, while Amber learns that she can rely on the kindness of strangers. Donna, who initially sees herself as an outsider in her small town, realizes that she has formed unexpected connections and friendships.
Another theme is the idea of finding oneself. Jamie, Amber, and Donna are all trying to figure out their place in the world and where they belong. By coming together and supporting each other, they are able to find a sense of purpose and belonging.
The movie also deals with heavier topics such as domestic violence and mental health, but it does so in a sensitive and nuanced manner. These issues are not shown in a gratuitous or exploitative way but rather, they are handled with sensitivity and care.
Overall, Barren Trees is a poignant and heartfelt movie that showcases the resilience of women and the power of connection. The actors all give excellent performances, and the cinematography captures the beauty and simplicity of small town life. It is a clear testament to the fact that independent cinema can be just as powerful and moving as any big-budget blockbuster.
Barren Trees is a 2017 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.
