Watch Homestate

Homestate is a heartfelt drama film released in 2016, directed by David Hickey, with the screenplay by Blaise Miller. The story follows the journey of David, a struggling actor in LA, who has to travel back to rural Texas to care for his ailing father, Robert. Upon returning to his childhood home, David is forced to confront his troubled past, revealing a strained relationship with his father and his mother's long-ago death. The film explores themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery as David grapples with his past while trying to reconnect with his father.

The film does an excellent job of capturing the essence of small-town Texas, infused with its cultural traditions of family and community. The opening shots of the vast Texas landscapes, accompanied by a stirring musical score, set the tone for the film's contemplative nature.

Blaise Miller, who also plays the main character, gives a compelling performance as the troubled and emotionally distant David. His struggle to reconnect with his father, who is played by Shaneye Ferrell, is both touching and sad. Ferrell's acting is equally impressive, showing the complexity of his character's emotions and struggles as he grapples with his illness.

Grace Love, who plays David's childhood friend, Nicole, is a standout supporting character whose sweet personality and caring nature serves to balance out David's emotional tumult. Their chemistry on screen is excellent, and their conversations and interactions are genuinely authentic.

One of the most impressive aspects of Homestate is how the film doesn't rely on cliches or sentimentality. The film feels genuine, and the characters act in ways that are both understandable and relatable. There is a sense of raw honesty to the film, and the emotional moments are genuinely earned.

The pacing of the film is steady throughout, reflecting the reflective nature of the story. The dialogue is natural and unforced, and the film takes its time in exploring the relationships between the characters.

Another strength of the film is its excellent cinematography, which showcases the beauty of small-town Texas while also emphasizing the isolation and loneliness that David feels. The scenes between David and his father are particularly well-shot, with the camera lingering on the expressions on their faces, conveying emotions that words cannot.

Overall, Homestate is a powerful and moving film that explores the complexities of family relationships with depth and honesty. It is a film that resonates strongly and will stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled. For those who appreciate character-driven drama, Homestate is a must-see.

Homestate is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.