Middle of Nowhere (2012)

When her husband is sentenced to eight years in prison, Ruby drops out of medical school in order to focus on her husband's well-being while he's incarcerated - leading her on a journey of self-discovery in the process.

Director:

Ava DuVernay

Writer:

Ava DuVernay

Stars:

Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Lorraine Toussaint

13 wins & 19 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Emayatzy Corinealdi	...	Ruby
Omari Hardwick	...	Derek
Edwina Findley Dickerson	...	Rosie (as Edwina Findley)
Sharon Lawrence	...	Fraine
Lorraine Toussaint	...	Ruth
David Oyelowo	...	Brian
Maya Dunbar	...	Gina (as Maya Gilbert)
Bruce Katzman	...	Averick
Troy Curvey III	...	Rashad
Yvette Cason	...	Mrs. Hastings
Andy Earnest Spencer	...	Bus Hustler (as Andy Spencer)
Romann Aric	...	Jordann
Nehemiah Sutton	...	Nickie
Nisa Ward	...	Fraine's Assistant
Dondre Whitfield	...	Littleton

Storyline

When her husband is sentenced to eight years in prison, Ruby drops out of medical school in order to focus on her husband's well-being while he's incarcerated - leading her on a journey of self-discovery in the process.

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Taglines:

Love can lead us where we least expect.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 September 2014 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Kire várok?

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$78,030 (USA) (12 October 2012)

Gross:

$78,030 (USA) (12 October 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Forward Movement, Kandoo Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ava DuVernay had wanted David Oyelowo to star in the movie but before she could approach him a friend of hers who was considering investing in the film asked an actor on a plane his opinion of the script. The actor was Oyelowo, who contacted DuVernay and asked for the part.

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Goofs

In Derek's parole hearing, Franie first summarizes that Derek has been in jail for 4 years and 2 months, then she says that he has served over 4½ years.

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Quotes

Ruby: I don't know if you like the same kind of movies I like.
Brian: Alright, what kind of movies you like?
Ruby: Indie ones... foreign ones.
Brian: Movies where brother's gotta read?
Ruby: [chuckles] Yes, those.

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Connections

Referenced in Life Itself (2014)

User Reviews

Decent and effective competition film

Middle Of Nowhere is perhaps as good as a low-budget indie can get, and also a textbook example of a Sundance competition film. It has a solid screenplay, aptly selected melancholy tones/music, long pauses, a couple of twists and a camera trick, etc., but nothing evasive to turn off the audience. Every aspect of being a good small narrative film is pretty much covered.

Quite naturally, the most valuable asset of such a film is the chemistry of a committed cast. Omari Hardwick is reasonably stoic and almost possesses the angst of a Denzel Washington character who has been pushed around too long. Emayatzy Corinealdi, as the film's emotional core, convincingly depicts a devoted wife's slow transition in priorities. With her rich experience in both cinema and TV, there's little wonder how Lorraine Toussaint goes instinctively maternal towards two younger actresses and leads them to fairly palpable family dynamics.

This is a relatively simple tale of a young wife who teeters between naivety and strength, but the skillful and effective storytelling supported by good performances offers a decently enjoyable viewing experience.