East of Middle West

East of Middle West is a gripping drama released in 2021 helmed by director Gorman Bechard and co-written by him and Christopher Knoblock. The film deals with a myriad of human emotions and relationships, creating a layered and complex narrative that hooks the viewer from the start till the final credits roll. What sets East of Middle West apart is its ambitious attempt to offer a tale of redemption and forgiveness, as it probes the profound impact of tragedy on human life and relationships.

The film boasts a remarkable cast that includes Carson MacCormac, Scott McCord, Joris Jarsky, David Ferry, and Sydney Meyer among others. Each of these talented artists brings their character to life, rendering a sense of sincerity and authenticity that is hard to ignore.

Carson MacCormac occupies the protagonist's role as Myles, a young man finishing high school and grappling with the expectations of life. His performance is particularly noteworthy for the depth and nuance that he brings to his role. Myles is an average teenager who plays football, aspires to go to college, and can't wait to leave his small town life behind. But his aspirations are marred by one tragic incident setting off a series of events that sees Myles running from the law and his guilt.

Scott McCord plays the role of Stan, a troubled father struggling with his own demons. He’s a man beaten down by life, battling past regrets while attempting to cope with the present. Scott brings a fierce intensity to his character, effectively showcasing Stan's internal conflicts and journey.

Another noteworthy performance comes from Joris Jarsky, who plays the local Sheriff, hunting for Myles while dealing with the pressures of local politics. His character adds a unique contrast to the narrative, offering us a glimpse into law enforcement's perspective.

One of the compelling aspects of East of Middle West is its setting. Taking place in the heartland of America, the film paints a comprehensive picture of a small town in Iowa where everyone knows everyone. Directors have often used the heartland as a metaphor for the American dream, but East of Middle West takes it one step further. The town and its inhabitants reflect the collective contention between dreams and reality, mirroring Myles' own struggle.

The film expertly uses cinematography to its advantage. By bringing the landscapes and locales of Iowa alive on screen, it adds a layer of authenticity and credibility to the story. Whether it's the wide panoramic views of the vast, open fields or the intricate details of the local diner, the visuals of East of Middle West are as compelling as its narrative.

Directors Gorman Bechard’s and Knoblock's storytelling is another standout feature of this film. They do not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in a small town, the struggle of its inhabitants, and their dreams and hopes. The film beautifully intertwines different narratives and timelines, keeping the viewers engrossed in its storyline. Its pace is steadily maintained, with the suspense building up until the climactic ending.

The soundtrack of the East of Middle West complements its storyline perfectly, featuring a mix of folk and contemporary tracks that seamlessly suit the narrative and sensitivity of the scenes. The cinematography, the atmospheric music, and the character-driven narrative come together to make the film a compelling watch.

East of Middle West is a heart-rending tale of responsibility, grief, redemption, and how a single event can ripple across an entire community. It's layered, complex, and engrossing, striking the right balance between heavy drama and engrossing storytelling. Its focus on the human aspect of the story – relationships, guilt, redemption – and strong performances from the cast make this film a memorable experience. It's a slice-of-life film that speaks volumes about human nature, resilience and eventually, the power of forgiveness.

It's undoubtedly a film that will stay with you, long after the credits have rolled. East of Middle West proves that sometimes, the most potent stories are not those that take us to a far-off fantasy world but ones that reflect upon our own world with a critical and compassionate eye.