A Journey of Resilience and Realization

Read Time:3 Minute, 37 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
60 Miles North
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director(s): Edward Crawford, Jack Mulcahy
Writer(s): Edward Crawford
Cast: Edward Crawford, Audrey Kovár, Danny Doherty, Jack Mulcahy, Marsha Dietlein, Jane Dashow
Where To Watch: streaming on digital platforms July 9, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: When Edward Crawford steps behind and in front of the camera, he brings a unique style to 60 MILES NORTH, a narrative woven from the threads of personal downfall and resurgence. The film starts with Clarence Moran (Edward Crawford,) whose imminent breakthrough in acting crashes due to a past mistake. Thrust back into the restrictive embrace of his family's expectations, he meets Wild Fall (Audrey Kovár,) a woman struggling with the diagnosis of Lyme disease; their evolving connection anchors the film, highlighting resilience amidst personal upheaval.

60 MILES NORTH is based in the Hudson Valley, whose lush landscapes enhance the tale of human tenacity. Premiering at the Woodstock Film Festival, the film is poised for a wider audience with its upcoming digital release, promising an exploration of inner conflicts and the broader implications of past actions.

The plot thickens as Clarence confronts the aftermath of a DUI that twists him from city lights to the domestic shadows of his small-town home. This pivot shakes the foundation of his world, pitting his career ambitions against other expectations and bringing an emotional complexity to the screenplay. The return home becomes less about geographic relocation and more a deep dive into personal redemption and realignment of his life's goals.

Enter Wild, portrayed by Kovar, whose character faces dismissal by a skeptical medical community. Her performance adds a distinctive perspective to the storyline, with each scene between her and Clarence crafted to highlight themes of mutual healing and personal growth.

However, 60 MILES NORTH hits its cinematic speedbumps. The narrative occasionally loses tempo, with some scenes feeling underdeveloped, leaving audiences yearning for deeper character exploration. Additionally, the film's critical eye on medical responses to Lyme disease, though well-intentioned, sometimes overshadows personal storytelling with its overtly moralistic tone.

In addition to the nuanced narrative, the film delves deeper into the socio-psychological aspects of illness and rejection. As Wild battles this disease and societal indifference, the story paints a poignant picture of isolation that resonates universally. This subplot enriches the character arcs and serves as a microcosm of broader issues, enhancing the film’s thematic richness. Moreover, the intimate cinematography captures the stark contrast between the Hudson Valley and the internal desolation of its protagonists, further highlighting the film's aesthetic and emotional depth.

The film also employs subtle yet powerful symbolism through its setting transitions—from bustling urban landscapes to the serene, almost ethereal, surroundings of the Hudson Valley—mirroring Clarence’s internal journey from turmoil to tranquility. This visual parallel enhances the narrative, underscoring the themes of personal and environmental harmony.

Despite a few narrative stumbles, 60 MILES NORTH tackles profound themes of adversity and resilience. Drawing from Crawford’s own setbacks, the film offers a relatable and evocative narrative that many viewers will find compelling. It navigates life's highs and lows with a sincerity that resonates, backed by solid performances that enrich its storytelling.

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