Runoff

Runoff is a 2014 drama film that tells the story of a struggling family living in a rural farm town in Western Kentucky. The movie is directed by Kimberly Levin and stars Joanne Kelly, Neal Huff, and Alex Shaffer in the lead roles.

The film revolves around the life of Betty (Joanne Kelly) who is married to her high school sweetheart, Frank (Neal Huff). They live with their two children, Finley and Lily, and their farm that used to be prosperous is now on the brink of financial ruin. Betty works hard on the farm, but it's a losing battle. As she gets deeper into debt, Betty starts looking for ways to save her farm and her family.

Things take a turn when Betty discovers that their farm is contaminated by a chemical from a nearby factory upstream. The company that owns the factory, Agrisonic, is the main source of jobs in the community, which leaves Betty in a difficult position. She must decide whether to fight against the company and risk losing everything, or stay quiet and let her family get sick from the contaminated water.

Betty's journey leads her to make some morally difficult decisions. She is caught between loyalty to her family and her duty towards her community. In her quest to save her family and farm, Betty meets a young man, Kip (Alex Shaffer). He tells her that he can help her make some quick money by running drugs across the state border to Cincinnati. Initially hesitant, Betty agrees as it's her last hope to save her family from losing everything.

As the movie progresses, we see Betty's character struggling to reconcile her conscience with her need to make money. She must choose between her moral compass and her financial survival. Meanwhile, her family is taking its toll as the impact of her decisions starts to take their toll.

One of the standout features of the movie is the stunning cinematography. The beautiful landscapes and aerial shots of the farm add to the overall mood of the movie. The music, composed by Jenny Scheinman, is haunting and adds an emotional depth to the film.

Another standout feature is the brilliant performance by Joanne Kelly as Betty. Kelly portrays Betty's struggles with an intensity that is both heartbreaking and relatable. Her character is both vulnerable and strong at the same time. Neal Huff delivers a grounded performance as Betty's husband, Frank. Alex Shaffer's character, Kip, adds a sense of mystery and tension to the film.

Overall, Runoff is a powerful and evocative movie that deals with some weighty and complex issues. It explores the struggles of a family caught between financial ruin and moral dilemmas. The movie is a slow-burner, but it's worth watching for the stunning visuals and fantastic performances. It's a thought-provoking movie that stays with you long after you've watched it.