Watch Last Night in Rozzie

Last Night in Rozzie is an emotional drama film that revolves around a young father named Ronnie Russo (Neil Brown Jr.) who finds himself at a crossroads. Ronnie is the epitome of a devoted family man - he works hard to provide for his family and always puts their needs before his own. However, as he approaches his thirties, he begins to feel an emptiness that he can't shake off.

Ronnie's life takes a turn when he receives news that his childhood best friend, Joey (Jeremy Sisto), has died suddenly. Joey was the one person who understood Ronnie the most, and losing him throws Ronnie's life into turmoil. To make matters worse, Ronnie's wife, Angie (Nicky Whelan), is pregnant with their second child, and the anxiety of being a good father, coupled with his grief, becomes too much for Ronnie to bear.

The story is set in the working-class neighborhood of Roslindale, Boston, where Ronnie and Joey grew up. Ronnie decides to meet up with his old friends from the neighborhood to pay his respects to Joey's family and reminisce about old times. Through these encounters, Ronnie discovers that many of his former friends are leading very different lives from his own. Some of them are struggling to survive, some are battling addiction, and others have found success but are still haunted by the past.

As Ronnie navigates these different paths, he is forced to confront his own demons and make some difficult decisions about his future. He is torn between the responsibilities of being a provider for his family and the desires of his own heart - to pursue his passion for music and live a more fulfilling life. Ronnie's journey to find his own identity creates a poignant and thought-provoking storyline that highlights the complexities of growing up and the importance of forging one's own path in life.

The performances from the three main leads - Neil Brown Jr., Nicky Whelan, and Jeremy Sisto - are outstanding. Brown Jr. delivers a nuanced and honest portrayal of Ronnie, showcasing the character's internal struggles and doubts without ever losing his charm or likability. Whelan gives an equally compelling performance as Angie, displaying a range of emotions from frustration to empathy as she supports Ronnie through his journey.

Sisto, in a supporting role as Joey, provides an emotional anchor for the film. Although Joey is deceased, his presence is felt throughout the story, and his impact on Ronnie's life is palpable. The rest of the cast, including Xander Berkeley, Kevin Chapman and David Barrera, are all excellent in their respective roles in bringing alive a vibrant group of supporting characters that inhabit the neighborhood.

The film's direction by Sean Gannet is spot on, capturing the essence of Roslindale and its people with an authentic and realistic depiction that makes the setting more than just a backdrop. He uses a non-linear narrative that weaves together Ronnie's past and present to give a full picture of the character's life and the events that brought him to this point.

The music of Last Night in Rozzie is just as effective in conveying the emotions of the story. The score, composed by Alec Puro, blends the melancholic and hopeful tones of the film perfectly. A selection of iconic Boston-area rock bands such as The Standells and the Modern Lovers weaves through the film, lending to capturing the sound of Ronnie's past coming back to life.

Overall, Last Night in Rozzie is a beautiful, heartfelt film that explores themes of identity, grief, and friendship. The talented cast and crew have created a vivid and relatable portrayal of life in a working-class neighborhood, and the quality of the performances and direction make this a film worth seeing. While it may be a story about a man's journey towards self-discovery, Last Night in Rozzie also stands out as a tribute to the enduring bonds of friendship and the importance of community in our lives.

Last Night in Rozzie is a 2021 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.