Watch Ruby in Paradise

Ruby in Paradise is a 1993 film directed by Victor Nunez and starring Ashley Judd in her breakout role. The movie follows the journey of a young woman named Ruby, who leaves her home in Tennessee and moves to Florida in search of a fresh start. The film begins with Ruby leaving her job at a fish factory and driving to Florida, where she takes up a job as a waitress at a beachside cafe. Ruby quickly adapts to her new surroundings and begins to find comfort in the small town lifestyle of Panama City Beach. She becomes friends with a local artist, Daryl (played by Todd Field), who introduces her to the town's bohemian community. Her new friends help her settle down, and she begins to explore her artistic side, painting and sketching in her free time.

Ruby's life in Florida is not without its challenges. She has left behind a difficult past, including an abusive relationship with her former boss back in Tennessee. Her ex-boyfriend reemerges in her life, causing her to second-guess her new life in Florida. She also struggles to find love, dating a series of men, including an aspiring actor named Mike (played by Bentley Mitchum).

Despite the challenges, Ruby remains determined to carve out a new life for herself in Florida. She finds solace in her friendships and the beauty of her surroundings, taking long walks on the beach and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. As she settles into her new life, she begins to truly appreciate the kindness and warmth of the people she has met along the way.

The film is a poetic and poignant portrayal of a young woman's path to self-discovery. Ruby in Paradise is not without its tense moments, but these are never overplayed or sensationalized. Instead, the film is quietly moving, and its understated style allows the viewer to focus on Ruby's journey and the natural beauty of the setting.

At its core, Ruby in Paradise is a character study, with Judd delivering a standout performance as the titular character. Judd's portrayal of Ruby is nuanced and understated, with a quiet strength that makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist. She is both vulnerable and self-assured, navigating the trials and tribulations of life with grace and dignity. Field and Mitchum are also excellent in their supporting roles, adding depth and complexity to Ruby's relationships with Daryl and Mike.

Director Victor Nunez infuses the film with a sense of realism and authenticity, capturing the beauty and simplicity of small-town life. The film is shot on location in Florida, and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, capturing the warmth and natural beauty of the area. The use of natural light and muted colors adds to the film's dreamlike quality, giving it a distinct and memorable aesthetic.

Overall, Ruby in Paradise is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving film. It's a character-driven drama with a strong and relatable female lead, strong supporting performances, and a gorgeous setting. The film explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the beauty of simple pleasures in life, making it a timeless and enduring classic.

Ruby in Paradise is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 77.