Watch Gold Star

Gold Star is a moving drama from 2017, directed and written by Victoria Negri, who also stars as the main character. The film tells the story of Vicki, a young woman who returns to her hometown in suburban New Jersey to care for her dying father, played by the legendary Robert Vaughn in his final role. Initially, Vicki struggles to balance her responsibilities as a caregiver with her own personal dreams and desires. She is an aspiring singer-songwriter who moved to New York City to pursue her career, but has had limited success so far. Her father's illness and her mother's absence force Vicki to put her creative ambitions on hold and focus on the present.

Over the course of the movie, we see Vicki reconnecting with old friends and trying to rebuild her relationship with her estranged brother, played by Colton Ryan. We also witness her father's slow decline and the emotional toll it takes on Vicki as she comes to terms with his mortality.

The film's title comes from a small music award that Vicki's father won many years ago, which serves as a poignant reminder of his own unfulfilled dreams. As Vicki delves deeper into her father's past, she discovers secrets and regrets that shed new light on their relationship.

Throughout Gold Star, Victoria Negri delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Vicki, capturing the character's vulnerability and resilience. Robert Vaughn's own vulnerable and subtle portrayal serves as evidence of his excellent acting abilities.

One of the strengths of the movie is its use of music, with original songs by Negri herself interspersed throughout the narrative. The music serves as a recurring motif, underscoring the film's themes of loss, regret, and the search for meaning.

Overall, Gold Star is a touching and well-crafted exploration of family, creativity and the difficult choices we make in life. The movie's slow-paced and introspective tone might not work for everyone, but those who appreciate a more subtle and realistic portrayal of human emotions will find much to admire in this film.

It should be noted that Gold Star touches on some heavy and potentially triggering themes, such as terminal illness and mental health problems. As such, it may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly those who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives.

In conclusion, Gold Star is a moving and compelling drama that showcases Victoria Negri's talents as a writer, director and actress. It's a tribute to Robert Vaughn's legacy and a testament to the power of music as a means of self-expression and healing.

Gold Star is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.