The Things We've Seen

The Things We've Seen is a fascinating 2017 movie helmed by Tre Manchester and featured talented stars such as Randy Ryan, Jarrett Maier, and Shani Salyers Stiles. This independent drama exposes its audience to a deep narrative centered on family, self-belief, and redemption, set against the backdrop of an economically-pressed small town society.

The film revolves around the Davenport family, thrown into disarray and turmoil, trying to keep itself together amongst the harsh circumstances they face. Highly respected actor Randy Ryan paints a riveting portrayal of patriarch Roy Davenport, who is grappling with not just the financial strain of a spiraling economy but also his personal demons. Teetering on the edge of despair and survival, the movie's storyline delves into not just his battle but also the consequential ripple effects it has on his family, particularly his two sons.

Jarrett Maier brings to life the character of Rayford Davenport, the older son who is desperate to escape the gloom and impoverishment of the town he was born into. Robbed of his chance at an academic future and forced into working at the steel mill, the same mill his father works, and the very emblem of their economic struggle, Rayford finds himself shouldering more than an average teenager. His struggle to keep the family together after a personal crisis hits home and to find the truth amidst a wave of rumors and suspicions embodifies the spirit of the film.

Meanwhile, the younger son, portrayed by Noah McCarty-Slaughter, is a symbol of the innocence of childhood, struggling to cope with the harsh realities that have befallen his family. The film doesn't shy from exploring the vulnerabilities and raw emotions that are omnipresent when one's seemingly ordinary life is turned upside down.

Shani Salyers Stiles essays the role of the family's bedrock, Miriam Davenport. She captures the essence of a woman who’s been left behind by her husband, leaving her to deal with the monumental task of single-handedly keeping her family from falling apart. Her performance perfectly encapsulates the strength and resilience of a mother's love, adding a level of emotion depth to the already heavy narrative.

The Things We've Seen sets itself apart by beautifully intertwining the tense economic struggles faced by countless small-town families with a gripping internal family conflict. It offers piercing insights into these struggles, including the desperate decisions people make when feeling cornered, and the manipulativeness of rumour and suspicion that can rattle an already-brittle community dynamic.

Alongside this, the movie also encapsulates a thrilling mystery that unravels through the narrative, which enhances the drama and suspense, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish. Teetering between the line of crime drama and socio-economic commentary, The Things We've Seen maintains a delicate balance, providing an enriching movie experience.

Tre Manchester, the director, has created a cinematic ecosystem that is representative of certain realities facing numerous small towns across America. The cinematography by Conor Dullaghan and his team brilliantly summarized the overcast feel of the movie and aesthetically captured the harsh life in America's rural landscape.

The Things We've Seen is not merely a movie; it is a poignant commentary on survival, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. All the characters have been sketched with a sense of realism that drives home the message the film intends to deliver. Integrating powerful performances, a compelling storyline, and a backdrop of stark realism, The Things We've Seen is a film that leaves its audience with much to reflect upon.

In an era where big-budget films with elaborate settings tend to dominate the scene, The Things We've Seen bravely carves its niche by offering a compelling narrative and a poignant exploration of human frailties and strengths. It critically sheds light on societal structures and personal struggles, leaving an indelible impact on those who experience it. Whether or not you reside in a small town, this movie's essence is sure to resonate with you on a deeper level, making it a well-appreciated addition to your watchlist.