Watch Tracktown

Tracktown is a 2016 independent film that follows the story of Plumb Marigold, a talented but conflicted young Olympic hopeful, played by Alexi Pappas. The movie is directed and written by Pappas and her co-writer and co-director Jeremy Teicher. The film is set in the backdrop of the world of competitive running and is the semi-autobiographical story of Alexi Pappas's journey as a long-distance runner.

Plumb is a twenty-one-year-old who is training for the Olympic trials, which takes place in Eugene, Oregon. She trains with her boys-only running group and her eccentric coach, played by Andy Buckley. Plumb's world revolves around running, and despite being a gifted athlete, she is plagued by self-doubt and anxiety. She is also uncomfortable outside of the track, struggling with day-to-day social interactions and relationships.

Through the course of the film, we watch Plumb battle her insecurities and push herself to the limit, both on and off the track. She is determined to make her mark in the world of running, but she is also trying to find a sense of identity and meaning beyond her passion for the sport. Plumb's story is one of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of excellence.

One of the standout features of Tracktown is its cast, which is made up mostly of real-life athletes rather than professional actors. Alexi Pappas, who both wrote and starred in the film, is a real Olympic athlete who competed for Greece in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. The cast also features several top American runners, including Chase Offerle, who plays Plumb's training partner, and Rachel Dratch, who plays Plumb's therapist.

The filmmakers have done an excellent job of capturing the world of competitive running and the mindset of the athletes who live and breathe it. They show the intense physical and mental demands that come with being a runner, as well as the camaraderie and support that can be found in the running community.

However, the film is not just a sports movie. It also explores some broader themes, such as the challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. Plumb's struggle with her identity and her place outside of the world of running will resonate with many viewers, especially young adults who are also trying to navigate the complexities of life.

Another notable aspect of the film is its visual style. The filmmakers use a mix of dreamy sequences and colorful montages to convey Plumb's inner struggles and her love for running. The cinematography is beautiful, and the music by Canadian indie band Half Moon Run adds to the overall dreamlike quality of the film.

In conclusion, Tracktown is a beautifully crafted film that offers an intimate and authentic look into the world of competitive running. It's a coming-of-age story that will resonate with viewers of all ages, even those who are not into sports. Alexi Pappas shines in the lead role, and the supporting cast of real-life athletes adds to the authenticity and realism of the film. It's rare to see an independent movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging, but Tracktown manages to pull it off effortlessly. Highly recommended to anyone who appreciates good storytelling and filmmaking.

Tracktown is a 2017 drama 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 5.7 and a MetaScore of 64.