This Is Martin Bonner

This Is Martin Bonner is a 2013 independent drama film directed and written by Chad Hartigan. The movie stars Paul Eenhoorn as the titular character Martin Bonner, a middle-aged man who has just moved to Reno, Nevada, to start a new life. Demetrius Grosse and Tom Plunkett co-star in supporting roles.

The film opens with Martin driving his car to his new apartment in Reno, where he unpacks and settles into his new home. He is quiet, reserved, and seemingly disconnected from the world around him. It's slowly revealed that Martin is a recent release from prison, where he served time for white-collar crime. The reason for his move to Reno is to start over and rebuild his life.

Martin's new job at a non-profit Christian organization, helping newly released prisoners find housing and jobs, is where he meets Travis (Demetrius Grosse), a young man struggling to cope with his newfound freedom. Travis is the opposite of Martin, he's a loud, brash, and impulsive youth with a perpetually chip on his shoulder. He is distrustful of everyone and spends his days hanging out at a local church, avoiding his responsibilities.

As Martin and Travis' relationship begins to develop, they slowly begin to reveal their struggles and vulnerabilities to each other. Martin is estranged from his children and has no significant other in his life. While Travis shares the difficulties he faces adapting to life outside of prison and poses as a future danger to himself and his loved ones.

At the same time, Martin meets a single mother, Kelly (Richmond Arquette), and the two begin to form a connection through their shared love of running. Kelly is going through a divorce and is dealing with her own set of issues, and the two of them bond over their shared experiences of starting over.

Through Martin's connection with these individuals, the film explores isolation, loneliness, and the challenges of starting over in life. The writing is subtle, and the characters are well-layered and realistic. The cinematography showcases the desert of Reno through the character's lonely and melancholic sight, making the audience feel the emotional detachment to surroundings the protagonists are feeling.

This Is Martin Bonner is a touching film about the human condition and the power of newfound connections. The movie leaves a lasting impact on the audience, making them reflect about the complexities of life and the importance of human connection. The characters might be strangers to you, but you will leave feeling like you know them intimately.

In summary, This Is Martin Bonner is a well-acted, well-shot, and well-written movie that explores the difficulties of reinventing oneself after hitting rock bottom. Hartigan's directorial style brings the audience into the character's inner lives and struggles. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas, then This Is Martin Bonner is a must-watch.