Watch West of Here

West of Here is a 2002 drama film directed by Peter Masterson and written by Joel Don Humphreys based on the book of the same name by Jonathan Evison. The film follows the story of Gene Gagliano (Norbert Leo Butz), a young man from Seattle who fulfills his lifelong dream of buying an old mansion in a small Oregon town with his friend Kevin (Josh Hamilton) and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

At the start of the film, we see Gene as a young boy who is fascinated by the mansion he sees in a picture book. His mother, who is a drug addict, is neglectful and frequently leaves Gene alone to fend for himself. Gene’s only solace is his imagination, which provides a temporary escape from his troubled life. As Gene grows up, his infatuation with the mansion only intensifies, and he saves every penny to realize his dream of acquiring the property.

When Gene finally purchases the mansion, he moves in with Kevin, his best friend who is gay. The two of them find themselves in a town that is very different from the bustling city they left behind. They soon discover that the locals are not as welcoming as they had hoped, and tensions begin to rise when their new neighbors, a group of Hispanic laborers, prove to be a nuisance. Gene and Kevin’s friendship is put to the test as they navigate the challenges of living in a small town that is not quite ready to accept them.

One of the more interesting characters in the film is Jose (Guillermo Diaz), one of the Hispanic laborers. Jose is a Mexican immigrant who is struggling to provide for his young daughter and wife, who is pregnant. Despite the hostility he encounters from some of the locals, Jose remains determined to make a better life for his family. His character represents the plight of many immigrants who come to the United States in search of a better life, and the struggles they face as they fight to achieve the American Dream.

One of the themes that emerge in the film is the contrast between the fast-paced life of the city and the slower pace of small-town living. Gene, who comes from Seattle, is used to the hustle and bustle of the big city, and he struggles to adjust to the leisurely days in Oregon. Kevin, on the other hand, who is originally from Oregon, is more comfortable in the slower pace of small-town living. The film explores the tension that can arise when two people with different lifestyles and expectations come together.

The film also touches on deeper themes such as the importance of forgiveness and the need for human connection. Gene, who has grown up with a drug-addicted mother and has experienced a great deal of pain in his life, struggles to forgive those who have hurt him. His journey towards forgiveness is a central part of the film, and we see how challenging it can be to let go of past hurts and move on. Gene’s eventual realization that he needs the people around him and that real happiness lies in human connection provides a poignant conclusion to the film.

Overall, West of Here is a thought-provoking drama that explores some significant themes. The film’s strong performances and engaging storyline make it a worthwhile watch. The film may not be for everyone, and its slow pace may be off-putting to some viewers, but those who are looking for a subtle and nuanced exploration of human relationships and emotions should find the film rewarding.