Middle of Nowhere

Middle of Nowhere is a 2012 American drama film directed by Ava DuVernay. The film tells the story of Ruby, a nurse who puts her life on hold to support her husband Derek while he is serving an eight-year prison sentence for a non-violent crime. Ruby struggles to balance her love for Derek with the desire to move on with her life and find herself.

Emayatzy Corinealdi plays the main character, Ruby, and delivers a powerful performance that captures the complexity of her character. Corinealdi's performance is nuanced and controlled, allowing the audience to see the emotions Ruby is experiencing even when she is not necessarily sharing her emotions with the people around her.

David Oyelowo plays Derek, Ruby's husband who is serving time in prison. Oyelowo's performance is understated and powerful, capturing the weight of Derek's choices and the toll that prison has taken on him.

Lorraine Toussaint plays Ruth, Ruby's mother who is also struggling with the challenges of life. Toussaint portrays Ruth's complicated relationship with Ruby with subtlety and depth.

The film is shot in a beautiful and evocative style that captures the mood and atmosphere of the prison system and the world outside. The camera work is intimate, often focusing on the characters' faces to convey their emotions and experiences.

The story is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love and the choices people make to hold onto relationships. It is also a critique of the prison system and the ways in which it separates families and hinders the possibility of reintegration into society.

One of the strengths of the film is its focus on the experiences of black women, who are often not represented in mainstream media. The film provides a window into the lives of black women and their relationships with incarcerated partners that is rarely depicted on screen.

The film also addresses issues of mental health and the challenges of accessing quality care. Ruby's mother, Ruth, provides an example of how mental health issues can impact the lives of those around us, and how societal prejudices and systemic barriers make it difficult for people to access care.

Another theme explored in the film is the impact of incarceration on families, particularly the partners of those who are serving sentences. Ruby is forced to navigate a world that is defined by the absence of her husband and the limitations that his sentence places on her life. The film raises important questions about the ways in which the incarceration system affects individuals and communities, and the need for reform.

In conclusion, Middle of Nowhere is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking film that explores important issues related to love, mental health, the prison system, and the experiences of black women. The outstanding performances by the main actors, the stunning cinematography, and the powerful story make it a must-see film.