'Where the Day Takes You' is a highly underrated drama that seems to only survive via word-of-mouth as one of those odd early 90s well-done social commentary films with a solid (and mostly then-unknown) cast.
There were several movies in the late 80s and early 90s that looked at homelessness and runaways, though some of these were human interest documentaries. 'Where the Day Takes You' portrays the commonly ignored castaways in a more honest way than say, the major headlines playing up the situation every once in a while. It offers no forgiveness for who they are and demands no sympathy (well...not much...the narrative is bound by certain elements to make its point). Most of all, unlike similar stories, this one does not dare acquiesce to the Hollywood happy ending nor any other trappings of the Hollywood industry.
The title says it all of our characters, an assortment of runaways living on the streets of Los Angeles, bonded together as something of an unofficial family. For the most part, they aspire to no certain future, and live according to 'Where the Day Takes You.' Mulroney is King, the oldest of the group recently released from prison. Lara Flynn Boyle is Heather, new to the town and one to eventually instill some sort of direction in King (and others) after several disastrous and violent incidents befall the group.
This hard-to-find movie is really worth watching (though plug your ears at the Melissa Etheridge soundtrack moments), and one that deserves more credit as part of these actors histories.
There were several movies in the late 80s and early 90s that looked at homelessness and runaways, though some of these were human interest documentaries. 'Where the Day Takes You' portrays the commonly ignored castaways in a more honest way than say, the major headlines playing up the situation every once in a while. It offers no forgiveness for who they are and demands no sympathy (well...not much...the narrative is bound by certain elements to make its point). Most of all, unlike similar stories, this one does not dare acquiesce to the Hollywood happy ending nor any other trappings of the Hollywood industry.
The title says it all of our characters, an assortment of runaways living on the streets of Los Angeles, bonded together as something of an unofficial family. For the most part, they aspire to no certain future, and live according to 'Where the Day Takes You.' Mulroney is King, the oldest of the group recently released from prison. Lara Flynn Boyle is Heather, new to the town and one to eventually instill some sort of direction in King (and others) after several disastrous and violent incidents befall the group.
This hard-to-find movie is really worth watching (though plug your ears at the Melissa Etheridge soundtrack moments), and one that deserves more credit as part of these actors histories.