Watch Off the Map

Off the Map is a 2003 independent drama film directed by Campbell Scott and starring Joan Allen, Sam Elliott, and Valentina de Angelis. The movie is based on the play of the same name by Joan Ackermann. The story takes place in the stunningly beautiful but barren desert landscape of New Mexico. The film follows the unusual life of the Groden family, consisting of Arlene (Allen), her husband Charley (Elliott), and their 11-year-old daughter, Bo (de Angelis). They live off the grid in a remote location, completely disconnected from modern society. They grow their own food, make their own clothes, and generate their own electricity by harnessing the sun's power.

Arlene, who was once a successful lawyer in New York, longs for the big city life she left behind. She is constantly frustrated with her current living situation and is not content until an IRS agent, William Gibbs (played by Jim True-Frost), shows up at her door.

William is dealing with a personal crisis and ends up staying with the Grodens in their makeshift home. Over time, William becomes a surrogate member of the Groden family, and he learns a lot about the way of life in this unconventional family.

As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse into the psyche of each character. Arlene is full of regret for her past and longs for her old life. Charley is a man of few words but is full of wisdom and knows how to live off the land. Bo is a free-spirited child who enjoys living off the land but also yearns for the company of other children her age. And William is searching for something he can't quite put his finger on.

Off the Map is a beautifully shot film that captures the essence of living in the desert. The landscape is harsh but is also incredibly stunning to look at. The film explores themes of love, loss, and resilience through the eyes of each character. It's a slow-moving film but is never boring, as the story builds slowly and steadily.

The performances by the lead actors are simply outstanding. Allen's portrayal of Arlene is raw and vulnerable, and she delivers an unforgettable performance. Elliott, as always, is understated but powerful. De Angelis delivers a fantastic performance as the precocious Bo, and True-Frost is the perfect contrast to the rest of the characters.

Ultimately, Off the Map is a film about finding a sense of purpose, and how sometimes that can be found in the most unexpected places. The film is a reminder that sometimes we need to disconnect from the fast-paced world we live in and get back to our roots to find what we truly need.

In conclusion, Off the Map is a beautifully crafted film that is well worth watching. It is a poignant and thought-provoking movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Off the Map is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 68.