While this movie ranks high on the list of one of the most depressing movies I have seen, the characters are so real and so raw that you forget you're watching a movie. Furthermore, I appreciate the director's decision to allow the viewer to draw their own conclusions about who is right or wrong, good or bad, innocent or guilty!
Andrew is a tormented 30 something fisherman who has attempted to escape the pain of his childhood after testifying against his then teenage brother for murder. While we know a boy died in a fire they apparently set, very little is given about the crime, the circumstances, or what even happened. All we know is that his brother was put away for life based on his testimony. This decision led to his estrangement from the rest of his family, particularly his sister. As the movie begins he returning to his hometown, unclear on why he is even doing so. Meanwhile his sister is living a miserable existence working at a grocery store while struggling with alcoholism and taking care of her ailing mother and rebellious teenage daughter. Meanwhile the parole hearing for her brother approaches, and his pro bono attorney believes the only hope of his being released lies in the hands of Andrew being willing to testify on his behalf One evening Andrew happens upon a teenage girl who asks him to buy her beer at a local convenience store. He takes pity on her and takes it upon himself to try to help her. While the viewer knows right away, it's not until later in the film that he realizes that this rebellious teen is his niece who ultimately becomes the catalyst to reconnecting him with his estranged mother who misses him dearly, his sister who hates him, and his brother who is still in prison.
There is no happy Hollywood ending, and the director leaves you drawing your own conclusions about what happens next. I could have watched another 2 hours of Andrew's life unfolding. Anyone who has struggled with inner turmoil will appreciate his character and the dilemma he faces.
