Tracktown

Tracktown is an engaging movie released in 2016, directed by Jeremy Teicher and co-written with Alexi Pappas, a real-life Olympian. This charming and introspective coming-of-age movie sets itself apart, providing a genuine look at the life of a professional athlete.

Tracktown stars the charismatic Alexi Pappas, who splendidly slips into the role of Plumb Marigold, a young and highly disciplined long-distance runner who has been training with a singular focus to make it to the Olympic trials. The titular Tracktown is actually the real-life Eugene, Oregon which lives up to its name as the unofficial hub of American track and field. The setting, along with Pappas's authentic representation, adds to the realism and organic feel of the film.

Plumb, played by Pappas, undergoes rigorous training and regimented routines which provide a deep insight into the less-glamorized, diligence-fuelled world of professional sports. Plumb's world is strictly controlled, from her diet to her sleep schedule, all in pursuit of ensuring peak performance. The movie does a brilliant job of detailing the sacrifices and the 'splendid isolation' that mark the lives of athletes, as seen through Plumb's character. The film takes a turn when after a performance that was below par, Plumb is instructed to take her first-ever day off, a directive that throws her for a loop.

Forced to break her routine, Plumb navigates through the nuances of an 'ordinary life', a life away from a curated diet and track drills. Chase Offerle brilliantly portrays Plumb's love interest, Sawyer, an affable young man who works at a local bakery and possesses an approach to life in stark contrast to Plumb's. He becomes a fascinating guide to Plumb leading her on the path to self-discovery, demonstrating that life holds more than just the pursuit of athletic glory.

Rachel Dratch, as Plumb's pushy yet driven mother, adds more depth to the narrative of an athlete’s life by demonstrating the role families play in an athlete’s career. The contrast between Plumb's strict discipline and her mother's almost obsessive guidance paints a visually compelling palette of characters.

One of the notable features of Tracktown is the insider’s view it provides into an athlete's life, along with presenting a profound narrative filled with heart and subtlety. It explores the human side of those expectant to be physically perfect, and offers a perspective of the personas behind the records and medals.

Pappas's own experiences prove invaluable, lending an authenticity and credibility to the portrayal of athletic life. As a co-writer and the female lead, she manages to capture the determination of an athlete while also exploring the vulnerabilities that come with such high-stakes dedication.

The movie highlights themes of determination, personal discovery, and growth, deftly balancing it with portrayals of everyday people and experiences. It's a classic sports film but also a story of a young woman who dares to change her routine and step outside of her comfort zone, discovering more about herself and the world around her. The film’s understated storytelling never fails to entrust the audiences with the power to look beyond, sympathize, and connect with the characters created beautifully by the able hands of the directors and talented actors.

In conclusion, Tracktown is a thoughtful and intimate story that uses an athlete’s focused world to spin a universally relatable tale of personal growth and self-discovery. It offers a rare insight into the track and field sport while humanizing its largely unseen yet invaluable players. This movie is for anyone who likes inspiring stories about dream-chasers and particularly engaging for those curious about the world of professional sports. Whether you are an athlete, a sports enthusiast, or a movie lover in search of a unique plot, Tracktown is a movie experience worth embarking on.