Watch The Middle Distance

The Middle Distance, released in 2015, is a captivating drama directed and written by Patrick Underwood. Starring Ross Partridge, Joslyn Jensen, and Kentucker Audley, the movie centers on a father-son relationship that has been strained and almost non-existent for many years. Set in New York, the film begins with a chance encounter between Neal (Ross Partridge), a man in his mid-40s, and his ex-wife Stephanie's (Joanne Kelly) new boyfriend Jack (Kentucker Audley). The encounter is awkward, and Neal quickly leaves the restaurant where they had planned to meet, feeling uneasy.

After a few days, Neal receives an unexpected phone call from his estranged son Preston (Ryan Howze), informing him that his grandmother, Neal's mother, has passed away. Neal decides to return to his hometown and reconcile with his son while dealing with his mother's death.

As Neal drives from New York to Ohio, the movie takes us back to his childhood through flashbacks. We learn that his parents' relationship was tumultuous, marked with bitterness and resentment, and that Neal has always been distant from his mother. These flashbacks introduce a group of characters that Neal meets on his tumultuous journey home, including his childhood friend Wade (Larry Fessenden) and his wife Karen (Jennifer Lafleur), as well as Wade's eccentric sister Liz (Lindsay Pulsipher) and her boyfriend Chuck (Vincent James Prendergast). Each of these characters bring with them their own perspective on life, relationships, and self-discovery.

Once Neal reaches his hometown, he struggles to reconnect with his son, who is resentful of his father's absence for most of his adult life. Preston tells his father that he wants him there for the funeral but doesn't want to have anything to do with him afterward. However, as they delve into memories from the past and start to confront their emotional baggage, they begin to form a deeper bond.

Throughout the film, we see Neal trying to make sense of the present moment while reconciling with his past. His mother's death and his son's rejection force him to tackle his inner demons and come to terms with his choices. Neal's cathartic journey in The Middle Distance is both heartbreaking and uplifting, ultimately leading to redemption and forgiveness.

Ross Partridge, playing the lead role of Neal, delivers an outstanding performance, portraying a man grappling with regret, grief, and nostalgia. He is the heart and soul of The Middle Distance and brings sincerity, nuance, and depth to his character. Joslyn Jensen, who plays Preston's friend and love interest, Sarah, also impresses with her performance, bringing a sense of warmth and reality to her portrayal.

The Middle Distance is an introspective and poignant film, offering a glimpse into the complexities of family, relationships, and mortality. Patrick Underwood's direction is masterful, bringing a lyrical and atmospheric touch to the film's cinematography, accompanied by a beautiful and haunting musical score by Colin Caulfield. The dialogue is relatable and natural, making the characters compelling and the story engaging.

Overall, The Middle Distance is a beautiful and thought-provoking movie, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on its viewers. It delves into the human struggle to heal from past traumas and find solace in the present, offering a poignant message about the importance of family, love, and forgiveness.

The Middle Distance is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.