1 Buck

1 Buck is a raw, cinematic piece from 2017 featuring the talents of John Freeman, Katie Ryan, and Cassi Colvin. Legendary in its stark portrayal of human nature, the film sows the seed of curiosity in the viewer's mind incessantly forcing them to question their moral compass and perspectives. The movie oscillates between the themes of survival, brutalization, and desperation while expertly painting a dark picture of society which is at times so real that it becomes haunting.

At the helm of this movie is the disturbed and complex protagonist, Harry (John Freeman). An underprivileged man in the margins of society, he is seen struggling to make ends meet in a small town in Louisiana. An ex-convict, he is stuck in the vicious cycle of addiction, poverty, and unemployment. The vast gap between his harsh reality and his dream of a better life create a character that is both gripping and sorrowful.

Katie Ryan plays the role of Amber, Harry's troubled estranged wife. A resident of this poverty-stricken town, her life is painted with hues of pain and despair. She too dreams of a life beyond what she is given, a life of stability but is willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. Her character encapsulates the tragic fate of women who are victims of domestic violence and poverty. Navigating the turbulent waters of a broken marriage and an unfolding mystery, Amber's life becomes a reflection of a convoluted situation in this challenging world.

Cassi Colvin graces the screen as Natia, a young, beguiling woman who happens to be Amber's confidante. Rebellious and fearless, Natia clings onto the succor of escapism from her stifled life making her journey the epitome of the town's multiple intertwining stories.

The motif of the single dollar bill (1 Buck) forms the crux of this movie. Mortal and yet immortalized, the one dollar bill changes hands in the town as the camera follows its course. It becomes the connecting thread between individuals in the same community, the silent witness to the crimes and injustices, resonating the bitter sting of poverty and powerlessness. As it continuously moves from pocket to pocket, it elucidates class, morality, and desperation in this microcosm of society.

The plot is a gritty portrayal of the desolate town where morality and hope are slowly and steadily getting eroded. Without resorting to cliches or easy answers, the essence of 1 Buck reveals itself through multiple layers. The narrative is woven into a fascinating organogram, where multiple subplots involving a churning mix of characters, in their sinful and often survivalist tendencies, intersect and diverge with our primary plot.

Director Fabien Dufils remarkably plays with the cinematography of the movie adding the right shades of gloom and grey, instigating a haunting visual appeal. The film’s mise-en-scene beautifully captures the despair of the characters and their surroundings with touches of stark reality. The grime, the faded paint, the deteriorating façade of the buildings, all blend into a sensuously disturbing world.

While exposure to continual trauma can be unnerving, 1 Buck is not just about the gloom. It becomes clear that the film aims to navigate and highlight the duality of human nature rather than exploiting human pain. It is not a tale of redemption but rather an exploration of consequences. The allegorical ‘1 Buck’ mirrors our moral choices and questions our values. It poses a significant query - Who are we in the face of desperation? An intention that resonates with every scene, every situation, and every dollar exchanged.

Balancing its confronting reality and subdued despair with a well-crafted narrative and strong performances, 1 Buck promises an immersive viewing experience. This film travails less-traveled territories with searing performances and a strikingly realistic storyline. While it's an intense, steep journey through societal strife and human struggle, it's also an enthralling examination of the human condition, asking questions that will linger long after an audience leaves the theatre.