Red, White & Blue

The independent film Red, White & Blue, directed by Simon Rumley, is a gritty drama that explores the dark side of human nature through the lives of three central characters. The story takes place in Austin, Texas and follows the intersecting paths of Erica (Amanda Fuller), a promiscuous young woman, Franki (Marc Senter), a charismatic, drug-addled punk rocker, and Nate (Jon Michael Davis), a lonely, withdrawn Iraq war veteran.

Erica is introduced as a sexually adventurous young woman who frequents punk shows and sleeps with multiple partners. She seems to be living a carefree lifestyle, but it soon becomes clear that there is much more to her character. Her past decisions have left her emotionally damaged and she struggles to connect with people on a deeper level.

Franki is a musician who lives a fast and reckless life. He is always looking for his next high or sexual conquest, and he sees Erica as a fun distraction. However, his world is turned upside down when he discovers that his former bandmate has contracted HIV. This news causes him to reexamine his life choices and leads him down a path of self-destruction.

Nate, on the other hand, is a quiet and reserved veteran who has recently returned from Iraq. He suffers from PTSD and struggles to adjust to civilian life. He spends his days working at a hardware store and his nights drinking alone. He is initially drawn to Erica's carefree spirit and they begin a friendship, but as they open up to each other, Erica's dark past threatens to consume them both.

Throughout the film, there are moments of intense violence and graphic sexual content. However, these scenes serve a purpose in highlighting the characters' inner turmoil and the damaging effects of their actions. The film raises questions about the nature of human relationships and the consequences of our choices.

The performances of the central characters are impressive, with Amanda Fuller delivering a standout performance as the emotionally complex Erica. Marc Senter also impresses as the troubled Franki, and Jon Michael Davis brings a quiet intensity to his portrayal of Nate. The supporting cast is equally strong, with notable performances from Noah Taylor as Nate's boss and Patrick Crovo as Erica's abusive ex-boyfriend.

The film's cinematography is dark and moody, effectively capturing the seedy underbelly of Austin's punk scene. The soundtrack features a mix of punk and electronic music, adding to the film's gritty atmosphere.

Overall, Red, White & Blue is a challenging and thought-provoking film that is not for the faint of heart. It touches on difficult themes such as sexual assault, addiction, and violence, but ultimately leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and redemption.