Mobile Homes

Mobile Homes is a 2017 drama film directed by Vladimir de Fontenay and starring Imogen Poots, Frank Oulton, and Rebecca Singh. The film follows the journey of Ali (Imogen Poots), a young woman who lives in a small town in rural America with her boyfriend Evan (Callum Turner) and her son Bone (Frank Oulton). Ali and Evan make a living by stealing from the houses they clean, while Bone is left unsupervised most of the time, spending his days wandering around the makeshift trailer park where they live.

The story kicks off when Ali, Bone, and Evan are forced to flee their trailer park after a violent incident. They end up on the road, driving through the countryside in search of a new place to call home. Along the way, they encounter a string of characters who help or hinder them in their quest for a stable life. These include a lonely truck driver (Shane Daly), a kind-hearted motel clerk (Rebecca Singh), and a menacing couple (played by Callum Keith Rennie and Tamara Podemski) they meet at a used car dealership.

At its heart, Mobile Homes is a story about family and the lengths one is willing to go to in order to protect the ones they love. Ali, Evan, and Bone are all flawed characters, but their devotion to each other is unwavering. Imogen Poots delivers a standout performance as Ali, capturing the character's desperation and fierce maternal instincts. Frank Oulton is equally as impressive as Bone, bringing an innocent vulnerability to the role that makes the audience root for him even when he makes bad choices.

While the film is heartbreaking at times, there are moments of poetic beauty as well. The cinematography by Benoit Soler elevates the story, capturing both the stark landscapes of America's heartland and the intimacy of the film's quieter moments. The score by Matthew Otto is also noteworthy, adding an ethereal quality to some scenes while highlighting the rawness of others.

Overall, Mobile Homes is a powerful film that explores themes of poverty, desperation, and love. It's not an easy watch, but it's a worthwhile one for those seeking a movie that is both emotional and thought-provoking.