Background"The World Made Straight" is a 2015 American drama movie directed by David Burris and composed by Shane Danielsen. This is based on the 2006 book of the exact same name by Ron Rash. The movie features a star-studded cast that includes Jeremy Irvine, Minka Kelly, Haley Joel Osment, Adelaide Clemens, and Noah Wyle. The film checks out the complexities of intergenerational trauma, confederate history, and the tricks that stay in the Appalachian area in North Carolina.
Plot SummaryThe movie follows the life of Travis (played by Jeremy Irvine), a young man in his 20s living in the hills of Appalachia. After getting expelled from high school, Travis discovers himself caught in a life of drug abuse and petty criminal activities. His daddy's unintentional death in a drugs-related incident makes his life much more complicated. Searching through his daddy's valuables, he discovers details about a Civil War massacre in his neighborhood that piques his interest.
During an unlawful forest exploration, Travis unintentionally finds a cannabis plant farm owned by Carlton Toomey (played by Noah Wyle), an instructor turned drug dealership. Carlton takes a shine to Travis when he realizes that the boy is truly interested in learning about his region's history, especially the Shelton Laurel Massacre. On the other hand, Travis discovers solace and guidance in Carlton that he does not have in his own life.
Historical References"The World Made Straight" looks into the historic context of the Shelton Laurel Massacre, a controversial event that occurred in 1863. This was throughout the Civil War when thirteen guys and kids were accused of being Union sympathizers and were completely performed by Confederate soldiers. Unfolding the injury embedded in this history, the movie looks at 2 modern-day descendants of the victims and wrongdoers who are captured in a cycle of violence and anguish. Travis, who ends up being a direct descendant of the victims, begins questioning the nature of his life and desires to get away the vicious cycle.
Character Development and ResolutionAs Travis becomes more instilled in Carlton's world, both characters start to form a mentor-mentee bond. However, Carlton's increasing drug issues and violent propensities start to push Travis away. Carlton's girlfriend Dena (played by Minka Kelly) also ends up being an essential character as she forms a close relationship with Travis. Dena fights to leave Carlton and develop a new life with her child while exposing her own tragedy connected to the 1863 massacre, comparable to Travis's history.
On the other hand, Travis's buddy Leonard (played by Haley Joel Osment) betrays him, requiring Travis to leave the neighborhood immediately. In the end, we see Travis discovering the guts to confront his tormented past and the rural decay of his neighborhood to take a brand-new path for himself.
Overall Review"The World Made Straight" is a gripping drama that succeeds in drawing a parallel in between past occasions and their resonance in contemporary scenarios. It supplies a raw and unflinchingly truthful portrayal of the deep-seated trauma present in the society and explores the styles of history, violence and redemption in a thoughtful manner. The strong efficiencies from the cast, particularly Irvine and Wyle, contribute in painting a compelling narrative set versus the background of the Appalachian hills.
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