Rich Hill

Rich Hill, directed by Andrew Droz Palermo and Tracy Droz Tragos, is an intimate and powerful 2014 documentary that ventures deep into the heartland of America, amid the rural landscapes of a small, impoverished ghost town called Rich Hill, Missouri. The film features three compelling local adolescents - Alyssa Jewell, Andrew Jewell, and Elizabeth Jewell - not as actors, but real-life residents of the town, living with undeniable optimism despite their difficult circumstances.

Rich Hill is meticulously designed and intimately shot, seeking to exhibit the stark reality of life in a forgotten corner of America. By deploying an unflinching, clean and beautifully contrasted depiction of a forgotten America, Palermo and Tragos successfully convey the paradox of rural beauty against the harsh, almost desolate socio-economic conditions of the place.

The film focuses on the lives of Andrew, Alyssa and Elizabeth, and peeks into their innermost thoughts, feelings and dreams. They are siblings and children of a single mother who struggles continuously to keep the family afloat. Despite their hardships, the children harbor dreams of a brighter future and positive outlooks on life, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The representation of the siblings offers the audience a rare opportunity to delve into another side of America, one that usually remains hidden from the rest of the country and the world.

Andrew, only fifteen and the eldest of the three, dreams of a better life far away from the harsh reality of Rich Hill. He yearns for stability and peace, which seem to evade him at every turn in his current surroundings. Yet, despite it all, he still strives to protect his younger siblings from the harsh realities they face.

Alyssa, the middle child, also shares the hope of escaping from her reality. She finds solace in dreaming about a different life, one that isn't dictated by the cycle of poverty. Her hopes and dreams illuminate the screen, making audiences connect instantly with her unstoppable spirit.

Elizabeth, the youngest, is forced to grow up faster than most children her age. The responsibilities of her daily life take a toll on her innocence, however, her resilience and spirit shine throughout her narrative, providing a beacon of hope.

Moreover, the narrative isn't restricted just to the stories of the Jewell siblings. Rich Hill reaches out further, highlighting other families' stories and capturing the essence of life in a small, neglected town. It gives a voice to the voiceless, highlighting the struggles we're rarely privy to.

The bleak realities of the Rich Hill community amid their constant struggles make a profound statement about the societal divide ravaging the American landscape. The film gracefully blends aestheticism and realism to craft an intense, moving story that leaves an indelible impact.

The heart of Rich Hill lies in its honesty - a raw depiction of childhood, poverty and forgotten dreams. This emotive narration is accentuated by strikingly vivid cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful score that immerses viewers in the heart of Rich Hill.

Palermo and Tragos's astute and compassionate filmmaking approach makes Rich Hill a poignant commentary on the lost American dream. While it focuses on the struggles of the underprivileged, it is more than just a tale of reduced circumstances. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a display of strength in a harsh world, and an ode to the unyielding hope that keeps us going.

In conclusion, Rich Hill isn't a fairytale, nor a box office blockbuster catering to mainstream tastes. It is a hauntingly beautiful, heart-wrenching documentation of a forgotten corner of America, where dreams struggle to survive yet refuse to die. A testament of resilience against adversity, it's a cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression and inspires reflection on forgotten realities.