Things Don't Stay Fixed

Things Don't Stay Fixed is an engaging narrative film that came out in 2021 featuring esteemed actors including William Gregory Lee, Tara Ochs, and Brenda Bynum. It is a manuscript of emotional exploration, fathomless love, and life's uncanny ability to mend the broken, written and directed by the talented Bo Bartlett.

Leading the cast is William Gregory Lee, best known for his roles in high-profile TV series like Xena: Warrior Princess and Dark Angel. In Things Don't Stay Fixed, he steps into the shoes of Sam Grace, the engaging protagonist. Sam is a world-weary photographer and international photojournalist, who has committed his existence to capturing the harsh realities and beautiful narratives of our world through the lens of his camera. With the polished exterior of a man who's lived fervently, Sam initially appeals as a vagabond philosopher of sorts, whose camera is his vehicle to explore humanity.

Having traveled far and wide for his career, Sam returns to his quiet Southern hometown, hoping to set the ship of his life back on an even keel. He finds that life 'at home' is still as complicated as when he left it. His purpose is not just to escape the chaotic excesses of his career but to reconnect with his estranged daughter, played by Melissa Saint-Amand, whom he hopes to save from making the same mistakes he made.

The second lead actor, Tara Ochs, renowned for her role in Selma and several TV guest roles, plays Sam's long-lost love, who stuck around in their hometown. Her character demonstrates an emotional depth expressing a mixture of regret, longing, and unresolved matters of the heart. Throughout the movie, Ochs delivers an electrifying performance that adds to the depth and complexity of the story.

As a counterpoint to the main narrative, Brenda Bynum gives a soulful performance as Sam’s middle-aged mother, dealing with her own issues while trying to bridge the gap between her son and granddaughter. The lofty mother-son relationship is captured beautifully, further intensifying the drama.

Raised in the backdrop of their lives is an intricate tapestry woven from affairs of the heart, mixed emotions, life lessons, and hard truths, painted on the canvas of the deep American south with its loaded history and lush landscapes. The events that unfold are unpredictable, even for a seasoned traveler like Sam. As Sam learns to deal with the disturbances, he discovers that he can't just fix things with a snap of his fingers, especially the broken relationships of his past.

The direction by Bo Bartlett is commendable as he brings out the vulnerable side of his characters efficiently and emphasizes the theme that life in all of its variety can't stay fixed to one set path. It allows viewers to spot real life mirrored in the essence of the tale. Every frame is brought to life with cinematography that provides a vibrancy to the mundane, illuminating both the characters and settings with an impressive luminescence that dives beyond the surface to transform the ordinary into extraordinary.

Also worth mentioning is the film's soundtrack, which adds a melodic layer to the storytelling. Effectively enhancing the emotional weight of the scenes, the music frames the narrative beautifully, culminating into a heartfelt symphony that soothes and strikes the audience simultaneously.

In a nutshell, Things Don't Stay Fixed is more than just a movie, it's an experience that captivates the audience with its elaborate storytelling, grounded performances, and its beautiful cinematography. The film offers its audience a piece of life's enigmatic puzzle and teaches the important lesson that to mend the broken pieces of your life, you sometimes need to break away from your usual fixes. It invites you to wander, explore, love, lose, and learn as it beautifully marries human emotions with the vagaries of life. It's a must-watch, not just as a form of entertainment, but as a refreshing perspective on life and relationships.