Watch Soda Springs

Soda Springs is a 2012 drama film directed by Michael Feifer and starring Jay Pickett, Tom Skerritt, and Victoria Pratt. Set in a small town in Idaho, the film tells the story of a former professional bull rider named Clay Treyton (Pickett) who returns to his hometown after the death of his father. Clay is struggling to come to terms with his father's passing and his own failed marriage, and he hopes that reconnecting with his past will help him find some direction in life.

Upon his return, Clay discovers that his father had a troubled relationship with his brother Earl (Skerritt). Earl blames Clay's father for the death of their younger brother, and the tension between the two men is still palpable years later. Despite this, Clay tries to ease the tension by reconnecting with his uncle and working on the family ranch with him. Clay also takes up a part-time job as a bartender in a local saloon where he meets a beautiful woman named Lane (Pratt). Lane is trying to make a fresh start in Soda Springs after a difficult past, and Clay finds himself drawn to her.

As Clay tries to rebuild his life, he faces several challenges, including a possible custody battle with his ex-wife over their son, JJ. Clay's former profession as a bull rider also comes back to haunt him when he is asked to compete in a local rodeo. His uncle Earl has always disapproved of Clay's bull riding, and he makes it clear that he wants Clay to give up the sport for good. As Clay struggles to balance his past and his future, he begins to realize that he must confront his demons and make some difficult choices in order to move on with his life.

One of the strengths of Soda Springs is its realistic portrayal of small-town life in rural America. The film captures the beauty and simplicity of the Idaho landscape, as well as the close-knit communities that exist in these rural areas. The characters in the film are also well-drawn and complex, with their own strengths and weaknesses. Clay Treyton is a sympathetic protagonist, struggling to come to terms with his father's death and his own past mistakes. Tom Skerritt delivers a solid performance as Earl, whose bitterness and resentment have eaten away at him for years. Victoria Pratt is also excellent as Lane, a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to take risks.

The film's pacing is deliberate but engaging, allowing us to get to know the characters and their motivations in depth. The screenplay by Feifer and Jaime Logiudice is well-written and insightful, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and redemption in a thoughtful and nuanced way. The film's cinematography is also notable, with striking images of the Idaho landscape that add to the film's overall atmosphere.

Overall, Soda Springs is a well-crafted and engaging drama that will resonate with audiences who appreciate realistic, character-driven storytelling. The film's strong performances, thoughtful screenplay, and beautiful cinematography make it a must-see for fans of indie dramas.

Soda Springs is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.