Somewhere West is a powerful drama set in rural America that tells a story about two brothers who embark on an emotional journey of redemption and reconciliation. Directed by Christian Filippella and starring Barrett Ogden, Judson Webb, and Jennifer Summers, this film explores themes of family, forgiveness, and personal growth. The movie opens with a glimpse into the lives of two brothers, Jake (Ogden) and Rory (Webb), who seem to be leading separate lives, with Jake working as a truck driver and Rory struggling with alcoholism and debt. However, when Jake receives news that his estranged father is dying, he decides to embark on a road trip to visit him and reconcile with him after years of estrangement. At the same time, Rory, who has been trying to turn his life around, decides to join Jake on his journey.
As the brothers travel westward through the vast and mesmerizing landscapes of rural America, they are forced to confront their inner demons and dark secrets that have been haunting them for years. With each mile they cover, they take one step closer to redemption and reconciliation with each other and their past.
One of the strongest aspects of Somewhere West is the cinematography. The stunning visuals of the American West serve as a metaphor for the journey that the brothers undergo as they traverse the vast, open spaces of the heartland. The filmmakers have captured the essence of the Americana, its beauty, and its contradictions, through its characters and landscapes, which provide a compelling backdrop for the narrative.
The performances of the lead actors, Ogden and Webb, also stand out. They both deliver nuanced and poignant portrayals of brothers in crisis, which add depth to the characters and make them relatable. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their interactions are genuine, allowing the audience to feel the pain and turmoil of their personal struggles.
Another strength of this film is the authenticity that it brings to its portrayal of rural America. It portrays the struggles, values, and beliefs of the people living in these areas coherently and rises above the stereotypes. The film's grounded narrative reinforces it, making it stand out from many other films that have tried to depict rural landscapes.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing of the film is uneven, with some scenes feeling overwritten and unnecessarily long. There are also some contrived plot points that feel cliched or manipulative, and some loose ends that are never fully resolved. Additionally, the film's themes of redemption and forgiveness are a little heavy-handed at times and could have been explored more subtly.
Overall, Somewhere West is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking drama that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal struggles. The performances and cinematography stand out, making it a worthwhile viewing experience. Although it may not be perfect, it is still an honest and heartfelt portrayal of a narrative that is set in one of the most beautiful landscapes America has to offer.
Somewhere West is a 2011 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.
