This Is Where We Live

This Is Where We Live is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking film that debuted in 2013. Directed by Josh Barrett and Marc Menchaca, the film showcases a talented ensemble cast featuring Christine Bruno, Barry Corbin, Carolyn Gilroy, among others. Its story revolves around the themes of love, compassion, sacrifices, and the bonds that tangibly connect us as human beings, despite the crippling barriers of illness and social taboo.

Set in the scenic, small-town landscapes of Hill Country in Texas, the movie introduces a humble and affectionate Sutton family, who are beset by their shared hardships. Their challenging life is profoundly marked by the complexities of a demanding job, the trials of an ailing patriarch, and the distressing demands of nurturing a seriously ill child.

Barry Corbin, celebrated for his astounding performance in No Country For Old Men, brilliantly plays the role of the ailing father, Bob, living with complications from a stroke. A retired roofer, he struggles to come to terms with his condition and bears the burden of his impaired mobility. His guilt for being less 'useful' coupled with his undying love for his family, adds deep emotional undertones to his complex character.

Perhaps one of the most compelling characters in the film is August Sutton, played by Tobias Segal. August is a young man grappling with cerebral palsy, whose warm spirit and joyous nature are easily overshadowed by his debilitating illness, causing him to live a guarded life behind the walls of his family home.

Christine Bruno, who herself lives with cerebral palsy in real life, portrays the role of Margaret, August's mother. Worn-out but resilient, Margaret works tirelessly to balance managing her husband's health issues and caring for her challenged son, ensuring he has as much of a fulfilled life as his condition allows. Carolyn Gilroy, in the role of Noel, August's enigmatic younger sister, grapples with her teenager's dream and the weight of family responsibilities hanging heavy on her young shoulders.

The movie reaches a turning point when the Sutton family hires Noah (Marc Menchaca), a rough around the edges handy-man, to assist with the renovations of their house. Noah, fighting the demons of his past and hoping to make a fresh start, enters the family puzzlingly obscure to the delicate intricacies of their life. It is his relationship with August that forms the crux of the narrative and injects fresh dynamics into the Sutton household. The bond between August and Noah unfolds gradually, revealing unexpected revelations about their characters and shining a spotlight on their shared vulnerabilities. Their camaraderie adds a striking layer of warmth and compassion to the storyline, shifting from mere professional association to a heartfelt kinship.

This Is Where We Live offers a very candid glimpse into the life of a family battling cerebral palsy. The movie does not shy away from showing the harsh reality of the disease, but indeed, it's the sheer authenticity of the portrayal that makes the narrative compelling. A note-worthy aspect of the movie is its empathetic lens towards disability, never allowing August's condition to entirely define his character or turn him into an object of pity.

This excellent indie film beautifully portrays the interplay of empathy and sacrifice through convincing and solid performances. With a heartrendingly poignant storyline, the film poses a raw, unfiltered commentary on the everyday struggles of illness, the strength of familial bonds, and the redeeming power of an unconventional friendship.

From a technical standpoint, the film boasts remarkably stunning cinematography, with numerous wide-angle shots that capture the rugged beauty of central Texas. Complementing this is a heart-touching soundtrack, subtly deployed in perfect harmony with the movie's emotionally charged narrative.

In conclusion, This Is Where We Live is an evocative cinematic journey that's bound to leave a lingering impact. Its refreshing narrative, moving performances, and sensitively handled theme of disability make it an essential viewing for cinema lovers worldwide. Whether you're looking for a story of hope amidst chaos or a meditation on the complexities of human bonds, this film offers a captivating blend of both.