Watch Tomato Red
- NR
- 2017
- 1 hr 52 min
-
5.7 (484)
Tomato Red is a 2017 dramatic film based on the novel by Daniel Woodrell. The movie explores the lives of siblings Sammy and Beckett, who are constantly on the move in search of money and a sense of belonging. The movie stars Julia Garner as the young, fiercely independent Jamalee Merridew, Jake Weary as her older brother, Sammy, and Anna Friel as Sammy's love interest, Irene.
Set in the small town of West Table, Missouri, the movie portrays the bleak and impoverished lives of its residents. Despite the beautiful surroundings of the Ozark Mountains, the movie lets us see the struggles that rural Americans face, the problems of poverty and lack of education, and the way these issues impact lives.
Sammy and Beckett Merridew arrive in West Table, each with a troubled past and a desire to start anew. Beckett is convinced that his life will improve if he can earn enough money to purchase a plot of land where he can begin a new life. Meanwhile, Sammy is lost and directionless, longing to escape his past and start a new life.
Jamalee is an audacious young woman who wants to leave West Table desperately; she dreams of finding life beyond her hometown's suffocating grasp. She is also desperate to escape her abusive father, Dale, who, after being released from jail, woefully imposes his power on her family's life once more.
Upon arriving in West Table, Sammy meets Irene, played by Anna Friel. Irene is a woman with a tainted reputation who is just looking for companionship. Despite the town's reluctance to forgive her past wrongdoings, Sammy is drawn to Irene, feeling estranged from the world and finding comfort in her company.
As the three protagonists come to know each other, their lives are further complicated by several events. They each find themselves in need of money, and in their desperation, make decisions that force severe consequences. Sammy tries to help his sister's dream of leaving West Table come true, but the quest turns into an increasingly complicated and danger-filled adventure that could lead to unimaginable consequences.
Tomato Red examines notions of what it means to belong, what it means to love, and to what extent individuals are willing to fight for their dreams. The movie shows that desperation can lead to rash decisions, which can ultimately change one's life in significant and often unintended ways.
The film is directed by Juanita Wilson, a director with a strong artistic sensibility, whose work has won her many awards. Her direction is deliberate, and her movie has a measured pace that allows the characters' life to be explored slowly and thoughtfully.
The movie's performances are exceptional, particularly that of Julia Garner, who steals every scene she is in. Her portrayal of Jamalee Merridew is engaging and emotional, and she superbly conveys the wild, fierce, and desperate nature of her character.
Jake Weary, who plays Sammy, delivers a captivating performance as a young man who is constantly searching for his way in life. His portrayal of Sammy is at times heartbreaking, and his scenes with Anna Friel are tender and touching.
Anna Friel, whose character is often shunned by the townspeople, delivers an outstanding performance as Irene. Her character is both sensual and vulnerable, and Friel is convincing in her portrayal of a woman who has experienced life's highs and lows.
In conclusion, Tomato Red is a movie that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys well-crafted, poignant dramas. The movie is a portrayal of rural life in a small town in America, and it insightfully presents the challenges of poverty and social exclusion. The film has a finishing scene that leaves a strong emotional impact, and it is a testament to the director, actors, and crew's hard work.
Tomato Red is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.