Watch Petroleum Spirit

Petroleum Spirit is an engrossing indie film that tells the story of a young woman named Lilly, who is searching for purpose and direction in a bleak and uncertain world. A poignant and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of human connection, the film takes place in a near-future dystopia where the use of fossil fuels has led to unprecedented environmental catastrophe and societal collapse.

Alexandra Weaver delivers a standout performance as Lilly, a self-described "waste-of-space" who spends her days working a dead-end job at a gas station and her nights drinking heavily and engaging in casual sex with strangers. She is adrift in a world that seems to have little use for her, struggling to find a sense of connection and fulfillment in a society that has lost touch with its humanity.

Lilly's perspective begins to shift when she meets a mysterious and enigmatic stranger named James (played by Ronan Summers) at the gas station. James is a drifter, traveling the countryside on foot with only a guitar and a backpack for company. There is something captivating about him, something that draws Lilly to him despite her initial reluctance to engage with anyone outside of her narrow circle of acquaintances.

As Lilly and James spend more time together, they begin to open up to one another in ways that are both intimate and profound. They share stories from their pasts, dreams for their futures, and insights into the various struggles and complexities of the world around them. Through their conversations, Lilly comes to realize that there is more to life than simply going through the motions and that human connection can be a powerful force for change and healing.

Meanwhile, Ryan Oliva delivers a wonderfully layered performance as Lilly's ex-boyfriend, Thomas. Thomas is a mechanic who works in the same gas station as Lilly, and he is struggling to come to terms with his own sense of purpose and direction in a world that seems increasingly hopeless. Thomas and Lilly have a complicated history, and their interactions throughout the film are fraught with tension and unresolved feelings.

The film is beautifully shot, with a stark and moody visual style that perfectly captures the bleakness and uncertainty of the world in which the characters live. Director Rob Sanders and cinematographer Alex Metcalfe have created an immersive and atmospheric landscape that feels both familiar and alien, a world that is both recognizable and strangely disorienting.

One of the most impressive things about Petroleum Spirit is its ability to tackle weighty, complex topics such as climate change, economic inequality, and the search for meaning in a way that feels organic and authentic. The film never feels preachy or didactic, but instead manages to explore these themes through the experiences and conversations of its flawed and fascinating characters.

Ultimately, Petroleum Spirit is a powerful and moving film that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It is a story about the importance of human connection, the search for purpose in a chaotic world, and the ways in which our relationships with others can shape and define us. With its top-notch performances, compelling story, and beautiful visual style, this indie gem is not to be missed by fans of thoughtful and thought-provoking cinema.