User reviews

One of my friends posted online about this film and I wanted to give it a look. Josh is someone that a lot of people including myself can relate to. I enjoyed the emotion, the romance and SPICYNESS, the drama, the suspense. I don't think we learn enough about the struggle people and their families go through on a day-to-day basis when it comes to addiction. You could see in Josh's eyes throughout the movie that he was going through a lot and needed God. It would be awesome to have a 2nd movie to see what happens with Josh and Kate. I definitely recommend watching this film. I hope we see more Arizona films in 2024!

It's one thing to hear about, or read about, the twelve steps to recovery... but it's a whole 'nother thing to walk alongside a damaged young man as he seeks to get out of addiction and back into a normal life.

This being writer/director Ryan Watson's first feature-length project, it is amazingly well made. Successfully delivering a 3-act film that takes viewers thru a 12-step program is no mean feat.

Every low budget film has to recognize the reality of their limitations-and make certain that the basics are well-covered. Storywise, the main task is establishing an understandable premise, making certain the characters are developed in support of the film's end-point. It's also helpful to introduce and properly play out any subplots, which "12 Steps" does very well.

The lighting is sold, the shots are in focus, the audio is clear, and the message comes thru very strongly. "12 Steps To Recovery" is definitely worth watching!

Incredible story of pulling out of an nose-dive of addiction and loss. Definitely recommend seeing this if you or a loved one are struggling to get through addiction. You really find yourself relating to these characters and feeling the roller-coaster of emotions/trials they're going through as you watch. Perfect example of a slow battle with addiction that can be lost with any trial we are faced with. The romance and the overall storyline are excellent with plot twists to keep you on your toes. Excellent work by all cast members and crew. There's really a lot to say about the film but it's better if you watch it and see for yourself. ENJOY!

12 Steps to Recovery is full of many emotions: love, despair, struggle, sadness, and some good laughs. There are several plot twists that keep the viewers engaged and wanting more. The cinematography is well done, with lots of aesthetically pleasing shots. Watching Josh go through his 12 step program to achieve a full recovery is heart wrenching. It makes you feel for addicts, their family, and their friends who care for them. It shows the true struggle behind addiction and getting to a place of recovery. It also brings the reality of the meetings and steps to life for viewers who may not have experienced anything like it before. I know this movie opened my eyes to addicts and their struggles. I was well pleased with this movie and would definitely watch it again. I will be sharing it with my loved ones!

12 steps to recovery is a exploration of personal growth and recovery. The writing illustrates the character Josh's struggle through each step, drawing viewers into his journey. The director's innovative use of lighting and cinematography adds depth and emotion to scenes, enhancing the film's impact.

What truly sets this film apart is its unexpected plot twist, blindsiding viewers with a revelation that redefines Josh's entire journey. Despite its low budget, the film triumphs in delivering a poignant narrative. While it may not boast big-budget effects, "12 steps to recovery" shines with authenticity and storytelling, making it a an experience for the audience.

This was such a heartfelt and touching film! I especially connected with the tender moments that were shared between Josh and his mom. Ryan Watson did an excellent job of not sugarcoating the harsh realities of addiction, yet still leaving viewers with a message of inspiration and renewal. This film has the potential to resonate with a wide audience, whether or not they share the same beliefs, as it ultimately celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and the possibility of redemption. "12 Steps to Recovery" effectively explores the inner turmoil and external challenges that individuals face on their path to recovery. The film doesn't preach; instead, it inspires viewers to reflect on the power of faith and community support in overcoming addiction. A must-see!

Beautiful film about a young man's journey from the depths of desperation and despair to redemption and acceptance. Lovingly crafted, great story, and some wonderful performances, particularly by the lead actors. It follows an addict who Is struggling to put his life together after a deadly tragedy. My favorite scenes are between the addict and his mother who both deserve awards for this film. The scenes at the AA meetings are honest and realistic. It's all tied together with beautiful music and photography. A real gem of a movie! It is an engaging story with an important message, not to be missed!!

This movie was so good that they played it twice at the festival in a packed movie theater. I'm so glad I was able to see it on the big screen because a lot of these smaller indie films go straight to streaming services. What an incredible experience. Some of the cast was there at the festival and they were so nice! Melissa "The Cake Queen" was so sweet to me when I talked to her after the showing. I can tell that her heart was really in it. This movie was made to help others and show the entire process of going through all 12 steps and it did so wonderfully. I don't care if you're an addict or not, this movie has something for everyone.

"12 Steps to Recovery", the debut film by Ryan Watson, is a heartwarming tale of a man's journey through the 12-step addiction recovery program. With its relatable characters, engaging storyline, and a touch of lightheartedness, the film strikes the balance between the realities of addiction and the uplifting power of human resilience. The film's portrayal of the 12-step program is refreshingly honest, avoiding clichés and stereotypes, instead focusing on the human connection and the importance of taking things one day at a time. Watson's direction is sensitive and insightful, allowing the film's humor to shine through without overshadowing its serious themes. 12 Steps to Recovery is a must-see for anyone who has been touched by addiction, offering a message of hope and encouragement while providing a glimpse into the lives of those battling their inner demons.

This story demonstrates change, redemption, and forgiveness in a relatable format. Many of us have had similar experiences or are close to someone who has. I definitely recommend a watch as this is an eye opener to the process of true change.

One of my favorite parts is the focus on forgiveness for and from others. The movie clearly shows both how difficult this can be and how rewarding once achieved. In a world of quick and meaningless media, it is a breath of fresh air to view something with true purpose and meaning. This movie may be of help to you, or may just be an eye opener to the struggles that so many go through.

I'm not surprised you won awards. Logan Stanzione gives an outstanding performance as Joshua, skillfully portraying the internal conflict and gradual transformation of a man caught between his past mistakes and his attempts to move forward. His performance captures both the frustration of trying to break free from old patterns and the cautious optimism of a second chance. Scenes where Joshua faces tough decisions about his future, as well as his moments of reflection, provide a compelling portrayal of the recovery process. Kate plays a key role in helping Joshua navigate these obstacles, offering a balance of support and tough love that challenges him to face the truth. The whole cast did a great job. Vanessa brought fire and drama to the pot. Kate's father was warm and protective. I don't typically watch these films however I was pleasantly surprised.

I really enjoyed watching Logan. He was seriously amazing as Joshua in 12 Steps to Recovery. He made the whole addiction and recovery thing feel so real, like you could totally feel his struggles. Watching him try to stay strong but still deal with all this pain was super relatable, especially if you know what it's like to face challenges head on. Clemente was great as well. He crushed his role, bringing some serious depth to the storyline. This film could've easily went into another path, however Logan and Clemente made the script pop and kept bringing me back in for more. Let's just say I've watched this film 3 times already...and will watch again.

This film dives deep into the harrowing journey of addiction and the immense struggles that come with breaking free from its grasp. Directed with sensitivity and raw authenticity, this movie offers a heartfelt exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and transformation. The film excels in its portrayal of the struggles faced by Josh on his path to recovery. It captures the physical and emotional torment, the despair, and the relentless temptation to relapse. Josh's ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, is truly commendable. The supporting cast adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, offering insights into the complexities of addiction treatment. I'm not surprised by everyone else's reviews as I shed a few tears myself. Well done!

I'm so impressed because I have never seen a movie go through all of the 12 steps as the structure of the entire movie, and it's even done with a fantastic storyline!

There are a lot of movies about recovery but none of them show the entire process of the 12 steps. I've had a lot of friends and family that have struggled with addiction. This film really brought me along the journey that Josh is going through in the film. I love how it showed the meetings and the love/support that is felt there. I've always wondered what those are like.

Josh's journey is so relatable. I love how the movie shows people with all different types of addictions too. It made it even that much more relatable. There's so much to take away from this film. I'm definitely showing this to my kids.

Logan Stanzione gave a remarkable performance as Joshua in 12 Steps to Recovery, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the role. His raw and empathetic portrayal of a man wrestling with addiction and loss perfectly captured the complexity of his character's struggles. Stanzione's ability to seamlessly balance vulnerability and resilience added layers to the narrative, making Joshua's journey both relatable and inspiring. His performance not only heightened the film's emotional impact but also left audiences eager for more. A sequel exploring Joshua and Kate's budding relationship would be a compelling continuation.

As an older mom who has seen her fair share of life's ups and downs, "12 Steps to Recovery" hit home in a way few films do. This heartfelt drama tells the story of Joshua, a man battling addiction and seeking redemption, and it does so with such authenticity and emotion. Watching Joshua, I saw not just an actor, but a person struggling with the weight of his past mistakes and trying desperately to make amends. Joshua captures the raw pain and desperation of a man at his lowest point, and his journey towards recovery is both moving and inspiring. His portrayal is a masterclass in acting, filled with moments of intense emotion and quiet reflection. As a mother, I found myself empathizing with Joshua's struggles and cheering for his triumphs. 12 Steps to Recovery is a deeply moving film that offers a realistic and compassionate look at addiction and recovery. Joshua was a must-watch for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and exceptional acting. This film is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the enduring power of love and forgiveness. I highly recommend it.

When evaluating talent for my agency this is one of the best films I watched all year. I can't wait to see all the exposure this film gets when it's streaming! Logan and Clemente hit it out of the park with this one. It's really important to show the struggle and intensity of battling through addiction, mourning a loss of a family member while being on house arrest feeling trapped. The emotion that Logan brought was exactly what the film needed. Clemente portrayed a mentor while also being vulnerable sharing his own previous struggles. If his presence doesn't inspire you to be a better person I don't know what will. The romance and the twist and turns were beautifully illustrated throughout the film. When I say "highly recommend" you can add an exclamation point after it.

12 Steps to Recovery left a big impact on me. Josh's performance as Joshua is absolutely incredible. From the very start, when he's involved in a robbery gone wrong that leads to his brother Anthony's death, you can see the pain and regret in his eyes. Josh makes you feel every bit of Joshua's suffering and his desperate need to make things right. His portrayal is so real and raw that I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.

The film does a great job of showing Joshua's relationships with the people around him, especially his mom, Melissa. Their scenes together are some of the most touching parts of the movie. You can feel the love and the pain between them, and it's clear that they have amazing chemistry. As someone who's super close with my own mom, these moments really hit home.

Another part of the movie that I loved was the support group scenes. They show different characters like Jason and Deborah, who are also dealing with their own struggles. These scenes felt so genuine and heartfelt, and Josh's performance really shines here. You can see Joshua's vulnerability and his determination to change, which made me root for him even more. The relationship between Joshua and Kate is also really interesting. Their interactions are full of tension and emotion, reflecting the challenges of rebuilding trust. This film shows the importance of love, support, and the strength to keep going, no matter how tough things get. I definitely recommend it!

Addiction is hard to explain to most. Unless you've had it you really don't understand. The relationship between Josh and Melissa made me cry throughout. I think about my son and how valuable it is to be supportive no matter what happens. Josh had several moments where a parent could give up, but Melissa was there to guide him and always stay positive. It's not easy to apologize to someone. It's another to apologize to everyone. This films paints the picture of getting rid of your demons and the toxic habits of avoiding your past. I've been clean for four years now and films like this inspire me to stay clean.