There are moments all the way through Junction, the debut feature from writer / director Tony Glazer when you feel that some sort of redemption must be coming. That this never happens is not only fundamental to the intensity of the bleak world the film’s characters inhabit, but also credit to Glazer in not compromising his principles and delivering a few lighter moments engineered to send audiences home happy.
Focussing on four severely strung out meth addicts inadvertently led by the reluctant David (Tom Pelphrey), solely due to him being the only one the group with a car, the story follows their attempts to score drugs despite having no money. Charged with obtaining a new television for dealer Tai’s (Anthony Ruivivar) mother the unlikely gang, ignoring the objections of Spot (Harris Doran), break into a house in a nice suburb. While searching the property Donald (Neal Bledsoe), who up until now has been relatively quiet and withdrawn, makes a discovery that resonates deeply within him and dramatically changes the dynamic of the group leaving all their futures in the balance.
What Glazer has achieved with Junction is the skilful weaving together of two distinctly different but strangely complimentary narratives. What begins as a drama dripping with realism and ominous portent concerned with the relatively simple task of securing drugs turns into a thrilling, sanity testing siege as dark secrets and devastating truths are revealed. The audiences loyalties are tested time and again and while some of the twists may be a little predictable, and only ever a little, they never seem included simply for effect and serve solely to move the narrative forward.
This complicated and fraught tale would have fallen short should any of the cast been at all sub-standard and it is to Glazer’s credit again that he has drawn performances from his leads that they may well struggle to better in their careers. The four principles are alarmingly convincing with Bledsoe standing out as the psychotically developing Donald and the understated Summer Crockett Moore, as voice of reason Kari, standing out. If there is a slight shadow it is that some of the exchanges between the police appear a little cumbersome and lack the depth exhibited elsewhere.
OVERALL SUMMARY
It is a pity that Junction may not receive the coverage it deserves. With strong performances throughout and a director seemingly comfortable with highly sensitive and difficult subject matter the film could be a defining moment in many careers. It will be interesting to see how such promise is followed up on but in the meantime seek out Junction if you can. Make no mistake though; this is a tough film with a rarely demonstrated intensity that will stay with you for some time. That said, it certainly won’t disappoint, just don’t expect happy endings all round.
