Watch Clear Lake, WI

Clear Lake, WI is a 2009 independent drama film that takes a nostalgic look at small-town America. The movie was directed by Brian Ide and written by Brian Ide, Rick Nederveld, and Morgan Simpson. The cast includes Dustin Booth, Morgan Simpson, Grinnell Morris, Kim Myers, Sean Bridgers, and Michael Madsen. The story centers around Charlie (Dustin Booth), a young man who returns to his hometown of Clear Lake, Wisconsin after several years away. Charlie left Clear Lake on bad terms, but he's back to attend his high school reunion and try to reconnect with his old flame, Joleen (Morgan Simpson). Joleen is now married and has a child, but Charlie hopes to rekindle their relationship regardless.

As Charlie tries to navigate his way through town, he reconnects with his old friends and acquaintances. There's his best friend, Stan (Grinnell Morris), who is struggling with alcoholism and a failing marriage. There's also Andy (Sean Bridgers), a former bully who now runs a local bar, and Nance (Kim Myers), a former flame of Charlie's who now owns a salon.

As the night of the reunion approaches, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. Charlie's attempts to win back Joleen clash with the reality of her life and her new responsibilities. Stan's alcoholism spirals out of control, and Andy's violent tendencies become increasingly apparent. Meanwhile, Nance begins to question her past choices and her present relationships.

Clear Lake, WI is a slow-burning character study that explores the themes of regret, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The film is beautifully shot, with the picturesque small town of Clear Lake serving as a backdrop for the characters' struggles. The performances are top-notch, with Dustin Booth bringing a wounded vulnerability to his role as Charlie and Morgan Simpson imbuing Joleen with depth and complexity.

One of the film's strengths is its depiction of small-town life. Clear Lake, WI feels like a real place, with its local businesses, landmarks, and eccentric characters. The film explores the sense of community that can be found in a small town, as well as the claustrophobia and gossip that can result from living in a fishbowl.

Despite its slow pace and low-key approach, Clear Lake, WI is a gripping and emotional film. The tension builds steadily throughout the movie, and the climax is both cathartic and heartbreaking. The film's emotional weight is carried by its strong cast and its poignant script, which gives each character a chance to shine and lays bare their deepest fears and desires.

Overall, Clear Lake, WI is a moving and beautifully crafted film that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet nostalgia of returning home. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of community, and it's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Clear Lake, WI is a 2009 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.0.