Watch Leaving Barstow

Leaving Barstow is a coming-of-age drama from 2008 that explores the struggles of a young man in a small California desert town. The film stars Michelle Clunie, Kevin Sheridan, and Ryan Michelle Bathe. At the center of the story is Andrew (Kevin Sheridan), a high school student who is dealing with a difficult home life. His mother is an alcoholic, his father is absent, and his older brother is a drug addict. Andrew's only reprieve is his girlfriend, Julie (Ryan Michelle Bathe), who is also dealing with her own family issues.

As the film begins, Andrew and Julie are trying their best to navigate their senior year of high school. They share a love for literature and often escape to an abandoned house near the desert to read and talk. However, as the end of the school year draws closer, Andrew starts to feel the pressure of what comes next. He is torn between staying in Barstow to take care of his mother and leaving to pursue his dreams.

One day, Andrew is unexpectedly visited by his estranged father (played by actor and musician Mark Valley). His father offers him a chance to leave Barstow and move to San Francisco with him to start a new life. Andrew is hesitant, but his father promises that he will support him and help him with his goals.

As Andrew wrestles with this decision, Julie is also grappling with her own future. She has been accepted into a college in New York, but is afraid to leave Barstow and Andrew behind. Their relationship becomes strained as they both try to figure out what they want.

The film's emotional depth is heightened by its strong performances, particularly from Kevin Sheridan in the lead role. He captures Andrew's mix of vulnerability and determination with ease, making his character's journey all the more affecting. Michelle Clunie, who plays Andrew's mother, also delivers a nuanced performance, portraying the character's struggle with addiction and her love for her son.

The film's setting is also an important part of its story. Filmed in and around Barstow, California, the movie captures the harsh beauty of the desert landscape and the sense of isolation that can come with living in a small, remote town.

Director and screenwriter Peter Paige (known for his role on the TV series "Queer as Folk") infuses Leaving Barstow with a sense of realism and authenticity. The film tackles serious themes with sensitivity and avoids melodrama. It is a poignant and honest depiction of the challenges facing young people on the cusp of adulthood.

Overall, Leaving Barstow is a beautifully crafted film that tells a universal story of growing up and finding one's place in the world. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt at odds with their home and their future.