Cast
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Jason Lee
as Jack Peterson
Minka Kelly
as Ginny Newsom
Maggie Elizabeth Jones
as Frankie Peterson
Jaren Lewison
as Kyle Peterson
Connor Paton
as Stretch Peterson
Jarod Joseph
as Tim McMurray
David Haysom
as Lars Hensel
Michaela Gilchrist
as Amanda Nethercott
Ryan Northcott
as Dr. John Betts
David LeReaney
as Sheriff
Joel Jackshaw
as Hunter
Carly McKee
as Teacher
Anna Quick
as Cheering Girl
Bernard Starlight
as Concession Worker
Roger LeBlanc
as Man at Swan Centre
Crew
Director
- Jeff Bleckner
Writer
- Jonah Lisa Dyer
- Stephen Dyer
Producer
- Michael Frislev
- Andrew Gottlieb
- Chad Oakes
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Away and Back examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jeff Bleckner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Away and Back took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Away and Back shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Chance at Romance, which focuses more on action than character development, Away and Back offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Gendarme Gets Married and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner explore similar territory, Away and Back stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 25, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 36m
Where to Watch
