The Pharmacist

The Pharmacist is a 2010 independent drama movie that tells the story of a man who tries to find solace from his troubled past by opening up a pharmacy in a small town in the United States. The movie stars Corey Loranger as Aaron Doherty, a man whose life has been shattered by his experiences in the military. After coming back home from serving in the Middle East, Aaron struggles to cope with the demons that haunt him.

The opening scene shows Aaron in a state of deep despair, trying to commit suicide by slitting his wrists. He is saved by a neighbor who hears his cries and rushes to his aid. The scene ends with Aaron being taken to the hospital for treatment.

Following his release from the hospital, Aaron moves to a small town, hoping to start a new life. There, he finds a dilapidated old pharmacy, which he decides to buy and renovate. The pharmacy is located in a run-down part of town, which is plagued by drug abuse and poverty. Aaron sees the pharmacy as a way to help the community and, perhaps, find some inner peace.

As Aaron sets out to renovate the pharmacy, he meets a young woman named Emily (Anna-Maria LeMaistre). Emily is also struggling with her own demons, having lost her mother to a drug overdose. She takes an immediate liking to Aaron, and the two soon strike up a friendship. Emily helps Aaron with the renovations, and the two bond over their shared experiences of loss and trauma.

As Aaron begins to settle into his new life, he discovers that the town is run by a corrupt drug lord named Frank (Chris Craddock). Frank is a powerful and dangerous man, who controls the drug trade in the area. Aaron is horrified by the devastation that drugs have caused in the community and decides to take a stand.

He starts by refusing to sell painkillers without a prescription, which angers Frank and his gang of thugs. Aaron also begins to actively try to help those with drug addiction, by offering them counseling and support. His actions draw the attention of Frank and his men, who warn him to stay out of their business.

As tensions rise, Emily becomes increasingly worried for Aaron's safety. She urges him to stop confronting Frank and to focus on the pharmacy instead. However, Aaron is determined to make a difference, and he knows that he cannot simply stand by and watch as the community suffers.

The movie then follows Aaron's journey as he works to make a positive impact on the community, while also fighting against Frank and his gang. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and risks his own safety in order to do what he believes is right.

Overall, The Pharmacist is a powerful and emotional drama that explores themes of loss, trauma, and redemption. The performances by the three leads are all excellent, with Corey Loranger delivering a nuanced and powerful portrayal of a man struggling to find purpose and meaning in his life. The movie is well-directed and features some beautiful cinematography, which captures the bleakness and hopelessness of the town. The film's message is a powerful one, telling audiences that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that a single person can make a difference.