Watch Acts of Worship

Acts of Worship is a 2001 independent drama film directed by Rosemary Rodriguez, who also co-wrote the script along with David Zayas. The movie stars Ana Reeder as as Alix, a struggling drug addict who has become a prostitute in order to finance her addiction. The film is set in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City and follows Alix throughout a tumultuous week as she tries to keep her life together.

The movie opens with Alix sitting in a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, where she shares her story with the other attendees. It becomes clear that Alix's addiction is deeply rooted in trauma from her past, and that she is struggling to break free from the cycle of abuse and self-destruction. Despite her sincere desire to get sober, Alix keeps returning to the streets, where she engages in risky behaviors in order to make money.

As the movie progresses, we see Alix reconnect with an old friend named Digna ( Michael Hyatt), who is also a recovering addict. Digna tries to help Alix get clean and offers her a job at a cleaning company, but it becomes clear that Alix is not ready to give up the lifestyle that she has become accustomed to. She continues to turn to drugs and sex work as a way to numb her pain, and her behavior becomes increasingly risky and dangerous.

Along the way, Alix meets a man named Chango (Christopher Kadish), who seems to offer her a glimmer of hope. Chango is a talented musician who is also struggling with addiction, and the two of them form a connection over their shared experiences. Chango offers to help Alix get off the streets and start a new life, but his own struggles with addiction prove to be a major obstacle.

Throughout the movie, we see Alix navigate a variety of challenges and setbacks as she tries to stay sober and rebuild her life. She is confronted by a violent client who threatens her safety, and she is forced to navigate the complex world of drug deals and sex work in order to survive. Despite all of these obstacles, Alix shows a fierce determination to overcome her addiction and reclaim her life.

One of the major strengths of Acts of Worship is the way that it portrays addiction and recovery as complex, multi-faceted processes. The movie avoids simplistic moralizing or easy answers, instead offering a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the challenges faced by people struggling with addiction. The characters in the movie are portrayed with depth and complexity, and the performances by the cast are all excellent.

The movie's depiction of New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood is also noteworthy. The film captures the grit and intensity of the neighborhood's street life, as well as the resilience and solidarity of the community of people who live there. The movie also touches on issues of gentrification and displacement, as we see the neighborhood changing rapidly around the characters.

Ultimately, Acts of Worship is a powerful and compelling portrayal of addiction and recovery. It is a bleak and often difficult movie to watch, but it is also a deeply empathetic and ultimately hopeful film. The performances by the cast are excellent, and the movie's portrayal of addiction and its impact on individuals and communities is thoughtful and nuanced. Overall, it is a movie that is well worth watching for anyone interested in the complexities of addiction and recovery.