Middle of Nowhere

Middle of Nowhere is an intimate, contemplative drama from 2012 directed by Ava DuVernay, who later gained acclaim for her work on the films Selma and A Wrinkle in Time. With sure-handed direction and delicate nuances, DuVernay brings to life a tale of personal transformation set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' stark, often unseen landscapes. It stars Emayatzy Corinealdi in a quietly powerful performance alongside co-stars David Oyelowo and Lorraine Toussaint.

At its heart, Middle of Nowhere is a tale of a journey. The film's protagonist is Ruby, a dedicated medical student and nurse played with earnestness and depth by Corinealdi. Ruby's life takes an unexpected turn when her husband, Derek (Omari Hardwick), is incarcerated. With her once optimistic plans for the future now in question, Ruby embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Reevaluating her life, her identity, and her commitments, the film follows Ruby as she navigates the complex realities of her new circumstance.

In many ways, Middle of Nowhere is about resilience in the face of life's harshest trials, and Corinealdi portrays this struggle with a great deal of conviction. Her embodiment of Ruby's vulnerability, strength, confusion, and determination is the heart of the film, breathing life into a character who is, at once, exceptionally brave and deeply human. As the story unfolds, Ruby's relationships with her husband, her mother, and her new intrigued acquaintance, Brian (David Oyelowo), are revealed in all their complexity.

David Oyelowo brings a tantamount element to the film with his role as Brian, a bus driver who meets Ruby during her regular visits to the prison. His character offers an alternative path to the one Ruby has been navigating. Oyelowo is known for his enticing performances in various respected films, and Middle of Nowhere is no exception. His character's interaction with Ruby provides a necessary counterpoint to her entrenched way of life.

Veteran actress Lorraine Toussaint delivers a strong performance as Ruby's hard-nosed yet soft-hearted mother, who becomes an important part of Ruby's support system. Toussaint's talent is instrumental in adding depth to the story, portraying a mother’s concern with a realistic blend of sternness and compassion.

DuVernay, the director, presents Middle of Nowhere with a visual potency that matches its emotional depth. The movie's images are both vibrant and subdued, showing Los Angeles in a way that underscores the solitude and potential loneliness of the city, mirroring the protagonist's predicament. DuVernay’s vision brings a profound authenticity to her portrayal of Ruby's narrative, crafting a compelling story that resonates on multiple levels.

The film's soundtrack complements its visual storytelling, and the score by Kathryn Bostic adds greatly to the film's ambience. The poignant soundscape underlines the emotional experiences of the characters and contributes to the overall cinematic texture.

Middle of Nowhere is introspective and thought-provoking, a film that skillfully portrays the complexities of relationships and the parts of ourselves we sometimes lose within them. It gives us a protagonist to admire, respect, and relate to in many ways. This is a sincere and authentic representation of a woman’s journey to find herself amidst the chaos that life surprises her with.

The film deservedly won DuVernay the Best Director award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, making her the first African-American woman to win the award.

In conclusion, Middle of Nowhere is indeed a triumphant piece of cinema that sheds light on the stories and struggles often overlooked. It is a gripping, emotionally charged drama about love, transformation, and the journey to self-discovery, a journey that can often lead us to the most unexpected of places.