Watch Five Blocks Away

Five Blocks Away is a 2019 indie drama film that follows the story of a young woman named Shelby (Jessica Webb) who struggles to cope with the sudden death of her father. The film takes place in a lower-income neighborhood on the outskirts of Atlanta, where Shelby lives with her mother (played by Kellee Stewart) and her younger brother (played by Chiké Okonkwo).

Shelby is a talented musician who spends most of her time writing and performing songs, but after her father's death, she loses all motivation and struggles to find her place in the world. She starts skipping school and spending her days wandering around the city, trying to escape her grief. One day, while walking aimlessly through the streets, she stumbles upon a group of young people breakdancing in a public park. She is immediately drawn to their energy and talent and eventually introduces herself to the group's leader, a charismatic dancer named Jay (played by Bradford Haynes).

Jay and Shelby quickly form a bond, and he introduces her to the rest of the group, which includes dancers named Darrion (played by Evan Alex Cole) and Misha (played by Patricia Ashley). As she spends more time with the group, Shelby begins to rediscover her love for music and finds healing through dance and personal expression.

However, things are not always easy for Shelby and her new friends. The neighborhood they live in is plagued by poverty, systemic racism, and violence. Jay and Darrion, in particular, have to navigate the pressures of gang life and street violence, and as Shelby becomes more involved with the group, she realizes that their struggles are much more complex than she initially thought.

As the story unfolds, Shelby's relationships with Jay, Darrion, and Misha deepen, and she begins to lean on them for support as she continues to grapple with her father's death. At the same time, the tension in the neighborhood escalates, leading to a reveal that forces Shelby to confront the harsh realities of the world around her.

Five Blocks Away is a powerful and poignant film that explores themes of grief, identity, and community. Webb's performance as Shelby is authentic and raw, and the chemistry between her and the rest of the cast is palpable. The film's soundtrack, which features original music by Webb and Haynes, adds an additional layer of depth and emotion to the story.

The movie's portrayal of urban life is both gritty and poetic, and the filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the beauty and the pain of the city. The dance sequences in the film are both breathtaking and inspiring, showcasing the incredible talent of Haynes, Cole, and the rest of the cast.

Overall, Five Blocks Away is a must-see film that will leave viewers moved and inspired. Its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity is one that is sorely needed in today's world, and its honest portrayal of grief and healing is both relatable and heartwarming.

Five Blocks Away is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.