Our Very Own

The movie Our Very Own, directed by Cameron Watson, is a heartwarming and stirring portrayal of small-town life, hopes, dreams, and a group of life-long friends reckoning with their transition into adulthood. With a stellar cast that includes Allison Janney, Keith Carradine, and Cheryl Hines, the film, set in the 1970s, manages to capture the essence of that era, finding its strength in characters and the relationships they share.

The story is centered in the small town of Shelbyville, Tennessee and revolves around five high school friends - Clancy (Derek Carter), Glen (Michael McKee), Bobbie (Jason Ritter), Raylene (Hilarie Burton), and Melora Kendal (Autumn Reeser). These friends are at the cusp of adulthood, standing on the precipice of change and looking out at a world that seems far bigger than their close-knit community. With graduation looming and the reality of their futures about to set in, they traverse through a summer that makes them question their dreams and aspirations.

One of the key narrative threads is the group's obsession with local Hollywood star, Sondra Locke (played by Beth Grant), who happens to be a Shelbyville native. The friends dream about meeting her, convinced that an encounter will somehow change their lives. The Locke fascination symbolizes their yearning for success and an escape from the suffocating constraints of small-town life.

In the backdrop of the youngster’s lives, we get insights into the dynamics of their families. Allison Janney, turning in a nuanced performance as Joan Kendal, embodies the compromised dreams of a housewife who, despite her marital issues, remains dedicated to providing for her family and maintaining a semblance of order in their lives. Keith Carradine puts on a remarkable performance as Billy, a man wrestling with his self-made chaos.

Cheryl Hines, in the role of Sally Crowder, is sublime. Her successful portrayal of a complicated character shows the complexities of mature relationships and the multiple roles adults need to manage. Characters like these add depth to the film, serving as the driving force behind the central theme of the narrative.

As the protagonists navigate their personal troubles and dreams, they confront the inescapable realities of life. Through their journey, they experience humor, heroism, heartbreak, and homely charms. Their bonds strengthen, their realities shift and they find themselves changing in subtle yet substantial ways.

The film's plot is largely character-driven, with each person in this ensemble cast adding their unique flavor to the narrative. Watson’s thoughtful and observant direction, paired with an excellent script, provides a revelatory look into the joys, trials, and tribulations of everyday life. It beautifully captures the friendships and family dynamics of small-town living and the palpable longing to break free and find their identities beyond their hometown limitations.

The skillful storytelling convincingly builds up life scenarios that vividly portray the transition between adolescence and adulthood. The depiction of a bygone era adds a layer of nostalgia that's soothing, unsettling, and poignant all at once.

Our Very Own does well to avoid the trappings of overt sentimentality that often plague nostalgic dramas. Instead, it is an honest, accurate, and empathetic portrayal of youth and small-town life. Its treatment of coming-of-age cliche is refreshing, as it paints a deeply humane picture of the characters, their dreams, and realities.

Filled with nuanced performances and an unflinching, yet loving look at small-town life, Our Very Own is a touching reminder of the trials of youth and the need for dreams. From its ensemble cast to its laid-back pacing, the film is a textured portrayal of a time gone by, yet with timeless themes of friendship and dreams that resonate across generations.

In essence, Our Very Own is less about the destination, and more about the journey. It’s about the hope, uncertainty, and the dreams that accompany the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It's a reminder of everyone’s own need for belonging and longing for something more - ambitions that are universally human and endlessly compassionate.