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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Plot Keywords:

prison | f rated | 

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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:

En mitad de la nada

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$78,030, 14 October 2012, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$78,030, 14 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: What do you want me to say?
Ruth: Maybe my expectations are so low at this point, I'll accept anything from you.

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Connections

Featured in The 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards (2013)

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Soundtracks

Caught Up
Performed by J Mitchell MelodiousFly
Composed by J Mitchell MelodiousFly
Appears Courtesy of Jasmine Mitchell obo MelodiousFly

User Reviews

Love Demands Sacrifice

True love demands certain sacrifices, so Ruby regularly visits her husband Derek in prison, works hard to pay household and legal expenses, and endures frequent and unbearable lectures from her mother regarding bad life choices. Her husband is a good man, so it is worth it. Time, however, has a way of changing things. Despite her devotion, Ruby faces temptations and disappointments. She struggles to maintain her dignity and composure, and to shine even on her worst day.

This elegant and complex film is a little hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. I was delighted to find it. The photography is one of the best things about it; colorful and beautiful images (mostly at night) make the film a gem even if it had no sound. The moody music, acoustic and ambient, adds to the magic. The story, acting and directing are also extremely well done. This film must have been a profound influence for Moonlight, or be connected to it in some way, for both films are similar in appearance, aura and stupefying impressions they leave. Winner of best director prize at Sundance.