Watch Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a gripping drama film released in 2020, directed by Brent Christy and starring Johnathon Schaech, Sarah Lancaster, and Lara Silva. The film tells the story of a sadistic high school English teacher who terrorizes his students and colleagues, and the consequences of his actions on their lives. Johnathon Schaech stars as the villainous Richard Wirth, a charismatic but abusive teacher who thrives on manipulating his students and colleagues. Sarah Lancaster plays Alison, another teacher who has had enough of Wirth's manipulations and decides to stand up against him. Lara Silva portrays a student named Leah Chavez, one of Wirth's victims, who is determined to bring him to justice after witnessing some of his darkest actions.

The film explores complex issues related to power dynamics, trauma, and abuse, and does so with great sensitivity and depth. The plot revolves around a student who commits suicide after being driven to her breaking point by Wirth and his toxic behavior. This tragic event sets in motion a series of events that force Alison, Leah, and some of Wirth's former colleagues to confront their past with him and try to prevent him from causing further harm.

One of the strengths of Blue Ridge is its cast. Johnathon Schaech delivers a powerful performance as Wirth, capturing both his charm and his insidiousness. Schaech manages to make the character feel real and multifaceted, instead of a caricature of a villain. Sarah Lancaster also shines as Alison, a woman who is torn between doing what is right and protecting her own career. Lancaster brings nuance and pathos to her portrayal, making the character sympathetic and relatable.

Another highlight of Blue Ridge is its writing. The film's screenplay, written by Scott C. Silver and Daley Nixon, is smart and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film takes risks and is not afraid to explore uncomfortable topics, such as sexual abuse and trauma. However, it always does so with respect and sensitivity, and never feels gratuitous or exploitative.

The film is beautifully shot, with cinematography by Eddie Garland that captures both the beauty and the darkness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the story takes place. The film's score, composed by Anthony Willis, is also excellent, adding tension and emotion to the film's key moments.

Overall, Blue Ridge is a well-crafted and emotionally charged drama that leaves a lasting impact. The film is not an easy watch, as it deals with heavy themes and can be triggering for some viewers. However, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting abuse and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or scary. With its strong performances, smart writing, and beautiful visuals, Blue Ridge is a film that deserves to be seen and discussed.

Blue Ridge is a 2020 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.