Don't Pass Me By

Don't Pass Me By is a 2013 drama film directed and co-written by Eric Priestley. The film tells the story of a young artist named Sam (Sean Stone) who is struggling with addiction and grief over the death of his father. Sam is an accomplished painter, but his life is spiraling out of control, and he's alienated many of his friends and family.

One day, Sam meets a mysterious woman named Hope (Katy Kvalvik) who seems to understand him better than anyone. She takes Sam on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging him to confront his demons and face his past. Along the way, Sam is pulled into a world of danger and corruption involving a powerful businessman named Don Exley (Keith David).

As Sam struggles to find his way, he must navigate a complex web of relationships, including his troubled former lover Kate (Rachel Brooke Smith) and his best friend Dean (C. Thomas Howell), who is battling his own demons. With the help of Hope and a newfound sense of purpose, Sam gradually comes to terms with his past and learns to see the world in a new way.

The film is a raw and emotional journey through the life of a struggling artist, and it's filled with powerful performances from the entire cast. Sean Stone does an excellent job portraying the troubled Sam, capturing both his artistic genius and his inner turmoil. Keith David brings his trademark gravitas to the role of Don Exley, and C. Thomas Howell is heartbreaking as Sam's fragile best friend.

Director Eric Priestley infuses the film with a gritty, naturalistic style that perfectly captures the seedy world of addiction and corruption that Sam finds himself in. The film's themes of redemption and second chances are universal, and Priestley handles them with sensitivity and grace.

Don't Pass Me By is a poignant and thought-provoking film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with addiction, loss, or the search for meaning in life. It's a powerful reminder that, no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.