Watch Where the Day Takes You
- R
- 1992
- 1 hr 45 min
-
6.5 (3,898)
Where the Day Takes You is a 1992 American drama film that revolves around the lives of a group of young homeless people in Los Angeles. Directed by Marc Rocco, the film features an ensemble cast, including Dermot Mulroney, Robert Knepper, Laura San Giacomo, Sean Astin, Balthazar Getty, and others. The movie follows the lives of several teenagers and young adults who live on the streets. Among them are teenage prostitute Heather (played by Lara Flynn Boyle), drug addict Little J (played by Balthazar Getty), and King (played by Dermot Mulroney), who is the leader of the group. The film also explores the stories of other characters, such as Greg (played by Peter Dobson), a runaway who wants to become a musician, and Tweety (played by Ricki Lake), a heroin-addicted mother who has lost custody of her child.
The film takes place over a single day and focuses on the struggles and hardships that these young people face as they try to survive on the streets. King and his friends spend their days panhandling, stealing, and hustling, trying to scrape together enough money to buy food and drugs. Heather, who is trying to leave her life as a prostitute behind, is drawn back into it when she meets a john who offers to pay her a lot of money for a night of sex. Little J, who is trying to kick his drug habit, finds himself being pulled back into it when he meets a drug dealer who offers him a hit of heroin.
As the day progresses, the characters come into conflict with each other and with the police. King clashes with a rival gang that wants to take over their territory, while Tweety gets arrested for shoplifting. Heather's john turns out to be a violent and abusive man, and Greg has an altercation with a music producer who insults his talent.
Despite the challenges that they face, the characters also find moments of hope and kindness. They form friendships and alliances, and they help each other out when they can. King takes a fatherly role toward Little J and tries to protect him from the dangers of the streets. Heather befriends a young runaway named Mari (played by Alyssa Milano) and tries to help her find a way off the streets. And Greg meets a street musician named Crasher (played by Will Smith) who offers him a chance to perform at a local club.
Through its portrayal of the lives of homeless youth, Where the Day Takes You shines a light on the often-overlooked issue of youth homelessness. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of life on the streets, but it also offers a message of hope and resilience. The characters may be struggling, but they are also survivors, who find strength and camaraderie in the face of adversity.
Overall, Where the Day Takes You is a powerful and moving film that explores important themes of poverty, addiction, and survival. With its talented cast, authentic portrayal of street life, and poignant message, it remains a standout film in the genre of coming-of-age dramas.
Where the Day Takes You is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 64.