Watch South of 8

South of 8 is a 2016 film about a young man named Hector who has recently been released from prison and returns to his hometown of San Diego. The film follows Hector as he attempts to get his life back on track and make peace with his past mistakes. Along the way, he reconnects with his childhood friend, Delfino, and meets a woman named Maria who he immediately feels a connection with.

The film is set in the rough and tumble neighborhoods south of Interstate 8 in San Diego, an area known for its poverty and crime. As Hector navigates the streets and tries to find work, he is confronted with the harsh reality of life outside of prison. He struggles to re-establish relationships with his family members and feels the weight of his criminal past hanging over him.

At the same time, he is drawn into a dangerous situation when Delfino introduces him to a local drug kingpin named Mundo. Mundo offers Hector a job, but it soon becomes clear that the job is not what it seems. Hector becomes embroiled in a web of violence and must decide whether to continue down the path of crime or try to find a way out.

The film is a gritty portrayal of life in the underbelly of San Diego. It touches on themes of redemption, loyalty, and the struggle to escape a life of poverty and crime. The performances of the three main actors are compelling, particularly Brian Patrick Butler as Hector. Butler brings a raw intensity to the role, balancing the character's tough exterior with moments of vulnerability and emotional depth.

George Jac is also impressive as Delfino, capturing the character's desperation and misguided loyalty to Mundo. Jennifer Paredes shines as Maria, bringing a warmth and humanity to a character who could have easily been relegated to a love interest role.

The direction and cinematography of the film are also notable. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting give the film a documentary-like feel, adding to the authenticity of the story. The shots of the San Diego neighborhood are immersive, transporting the viewer into the gritty streets alongside Hector and his friends.

The film does have some flaws, however. The pacing can be slow at times, and certain plot points feel underdeveloped. It also falls into some familiar tropes of the crime genre, such as the tough-guy posturing and violent set pieces.

Overall, South of 8 is a solid entry into the crime drama genre. It offers a fresh perspective on a familiar story and features strong performances from its cast. The film is ultimately a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of redemption.

South of 8 is a 2017 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.