Watch The Things We've Seen

The Things We've Seen is a 2017 independent drama film that takes an intimate look at the lives of a family struggling to hold on to hope and love amidst trying circumstances. The film features Randy Ryan as PastorFerguson, a single father trying to keep his family together, and his two sons, Jake (Jarrett Maier) and Kyle (Noah McCarty-Slaughter). Shani Salyers Stiles plays the role of Marjorie, who runs the local gas station and is a close family friend.

The story of The Things We've Seen is set in a small town in Iowa where the Ferguson family is living. The family is still reeling from the loss of their mother, who passed away in a car accident two years prior. The burden of keeping the family together has fallen on Pastor Ferguson, who is trying his best to be there for his sons but is struggling to make ends meet.

The film opens with a scene showing Jake and Kyle playing outside. The boys are clearly bored and looking for something to do. Enter Marjorie, who offers to take them to the gas station and give them a little spending money. At the gas station, Jake and Kyle meet a group of teenagers who are up to no good. They convince Jake and Kyle to go on a joyride with them, resulting in an accident that changes the course of the family's life.

The accident leads to the boys' arrest, with Kyle taking the full blame for driving the car. The incident puts an enormous strain on the family, particularly on Pastor Ferguson, who is trying to keep his head above water. Additionally, the incident also brings up longstanding tensions in the family, particularly between Pastor Ferguson and Jake, who has always felt overshadowed by his younger brother.

As the family struggles to come to terms with their new reality, they must navigate a justice system that seems to be working against them. They face a harsh prosecutor (John D. Carver) who is intent on making an example of Kyle, and even when the family is offered a plea deal, they must somehow come up with the money to pay for legal fees.

Throughout the film, the family's situation seems to grow bleaker and bleaker. The tone of the film is somber, but it is also a testament to the power of love and the human spirit. Pastor Ferguson is unrelenting in his efforts to take care of his family, even when it seems all hope is lost.

The Things We've Seen is a film that explores themes of family, grief, hope, and justice. It is not an easy watch, but it is a valuable one. The film is anchored by its strong performances, particularly Randy Ryan's portrayal of Pastor Ferguson, which is moving and nuanced. Jarrett Maier also delivers a strong performance as Jake, while Shani Salyers Stiles is a standout in her supporting role.

Overall, The Things We've Seen is a film that is sure to resonate with anyone who has faced difficult times and had to rely on the strength of their family and community to get through it. It is a timely reminder that, even in the darkest of moments, there is always hope to be found.

The Things We've Seen is a 2018 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.