Cast
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Johnathon Schaech
as Justin Wise
Sarah Lancaster
as Elli Wise
Graham Greene
as Cliff McGrath
Tonya Bludsworth
as Nancy Pierce
Taegen Burns
as Maddie Wise
Laura Carbonell
as Vivian McGrath-Keagen
Jae Hoon Chae
as Lou McGrath
Tom Proctor
as Jeremiah Wade
Ben Esler
as Deputy Thompson
Kevin L. Johnson
as Lem Keagen
Crew
Director
- Brent Christy
Writer
- Caleb G. Brown
- Shea Sizemore
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Blue Ridge 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 Brent Christy 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 2020, 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 Blue Ridge took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 841 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Blue Ridge shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, which focuses more on action than character development, Blue Ridge offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Knockaround Guys and The Harder They Come explore similar territory, Blue Ridge stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 20, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch
