Set in 1986 at a High School, we are introduced to the protagonist Nathaniel Williams (Nicholas Hamilton). Nate or Nathan loves to run; in fact, he has been running since he was a child, and his mother told him to do so, for a different reason, though.

What shows is that he studies,  is an athlete, and likes photography.  His mother died in a car accident; he has no one, no family, and the relationship with his mother’s parents is distant and cold. He has a red car and we watch him sleeping in it in a field.

At School, there is drama teacher Stan Deen  (Jared Harris) who likes to give advice and also to eat French pastries while watching TV!  Mr. Deen is a popular and respected member of the community, he becomes like  aa Godfather to Nathan and trult cares for him. The film directed by  Damian Harris, (Jared’s brother) tells their story based on true facts.

Nathan is involved in and illicit act after which is arrested and taken to prison.  The aftermath provides light on his family relationship and the dark childhood he had, and how its shadows project to his present and future.

Movie reflects on relationships, social interaction and how tragedies from the past are difficult to face and overcome. Film shows how torturous  memories pop out from nowhere and may lead to self destruction. As Mr. Deen wisely says,  running away only delays the problem,  to remain silent is not a choice either.

The universal message of the picture made me think on how unfair it is to have, conscious or unconsciously, prejudice on others and  to judge them without knowing their real worth, we see faces, we don´t know hearts.  The film reminded me also, quoting  Ms. Streisand, how people who need people are the luckiest people in the world.

A moving film to watch and to think about, with good performances of the two leading protagonists.