Watch Stuck in the Middle

Stuck in the Middle is a gritty and emotional drama that follows a group of individuals as they struggle with addiction, love, and loss. Set against the backdrop of New York City, this film delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges that come with navigating a city filled with temptation and danger. Stephen Fontana stars as Tony, a recovering addict who is trying to rebuild his life after a stint in rehab. Despite his best efforts, Tony finds himself drawn back into the world of drugs and crime, as he tries to support his girlfriend Amber (Penelope Lagos) and her son. Keith Collins plays Chris, a friend of Tony's who is also struggling with addiction and trying to stay clean.

As the story unfolds, we see how these characters are all connected in some way or another, and how their choices impact one another's lives. Along the way, we witness the highs and lows of addiction, as well as the toll it takes on not just the addict, but their loved ones too.

One of the strengths of Stuck in the Middle is its depiction of the complex web of relationships between its characters. Tony and Amber have a tumultuous dynamic, as Tony tries to stay sober while also grappling with his jealousy and insecurity over Amber's ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Chris struggles to hold on to his sobriety amidst the chaos of the city, and finds solace in the form of Tony's supportive mother (played by Bonnie Hellman).

The film is also notable for its frank portrayal of addiction and its aftermath. Stuck in the Middle doesn't shy away from the messy, painful realities of substance abuse, whether it's the withdrawal symptoms or the shame that follows a relapse. However, the film also has moments of levity and humor, offering a nuanced and compassionate look at addiction that doesn't fall into cliches or stereotypes.

Another standout aspect of Stuck in the Middle is its strong performances. Fontana delivers a nuanced and gritty performance as Tony, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and rawness that makes him both sympathetic and flawed. Lagos gives a similarly strong performance as Amber, capturing the character's complicated relationship with Tony and her own struggles with addiction.

Overall, Stuck in the Middle is a powerful and affecting drama that offers a compassionate and honest look at addiction and the human condition. With its realistic portrayals, complex characters, and strong performances, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in the complexities of addiction and its impact on our lives.

Stuck in the Middle is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.