This is Martin Papazian's first feature film as director and since he's the lead actor as well as the one who wrote the screenplay, the onus or credit for this movie's success was on him. The story is a compelling one, and it was based on it that I took a chance on this indie film, a chance I don't mind urging you to take as well.
You will recognize veteran actors Laura San Giacomo and Charles S. Dutton as strong support cast; both did a splendid job in their respective roles as Child Protective Services agent Jolene and George the sheriff. The former is, at first, a cold hearted and bitter sounding bureaucrat while the other is sympathetic and supportive toward Anthony, the character played by Papazian. Anthony, a Marine Vet, recently arrived from his tour of duty in Afghanistan, and promptly discharged, suffers from PTSD; well I viewed it simply as completely guilt-ridden and experiencing nightmares and daytime flashbacks of an event that marked him. He killed by mistake a family, innocent people, including a child whose face haunts now him. His marriage went south fast because he did not cope well with his PTSD and his ex felt she could not live with him any longer, though both still loved each other, in their own way. Anthony was doomed for self destruction until his deep core values prompted him to, one night, help neighbor who came to him for help; that neighbor was a young teen, Wade, played quite well by fourteen year old Tristan Lake Leabu. Wade was the child of a drug addicted single mother, for whom he sought Anthony's help as she overdosed. Needless to say, the kid had issues. Anthony promised to help Wade; that included finding his father, if he could be found. When Marine Anthony makes a promise, he keeps it, regardless of the potential trouble. A bond developed between the two and it was that bond that would be both their salvage.
Papazian, who's had steady work over the years as actor, acquitted himself well for such a demanding role; he can now showcase this film in his portfolio and I think this may be the boost his career needed. I won't hesitate suggesting the movie to friends who might be interested by the plot.
You will recognize veteran actors Laura San Giacomo and Charles S. Dutton as strong support cast; both did a splendid job in their respective roles as Child Protective Services agent Jolene and George the sheriff. The former is, at first, a cold hearted and bitter sounding bureaucrat while the other is sympathetic and supportive toward Anthony, the character played by Papazian. Anthony, a Marine Vet, recently arrived from his tour of duty in Afghanistan, and promptly discharged, suffers from PTSD; well I viewed it simply as completely guilt-ridden and experiencing nightmares and daytime flashbacks of an event that marked him. He killed by mistake a family, innocent people, including a child whose face haunts now him. His marriage went south fast because he did not cope well with his PTSD and his ex felt she could not live with him any longer, though both still loved each other, in their own way. Anthony was doomed for self destruction until his deep core values prompted him to, one night, help neighbor who came to him for help; that neighbor was a young teen, Wade, played quite well by fourteen year old Tristan Lake Leabu. Wade was the child of a drug addicted single mother, for whom he sought Anthony's help as she overdosed. Needless to say, the kid had issues. Anthony promised to help Wade; that included finding his father, if he could be found. When Marine Anthony makes a promise, he keeps it, regardless of the potential trouble. A bond developed between the two and it was that bond that would be both their salvage.
Papazian, who's had steady work over the years as actor, acquitted himself well for such a demanding role; he can now showcase this film in his portfolio and I think this may be the boost his career needed. I won't hesitate suggesting the movie to friends who might be interested by the plot.