Everyone in town seems aware of their problem, but few step in to help take the weight off their shoulders. Not even the old bowling alley proprietor who lets Derek make out with his girlfriend there before closing up.
It may seem a plot hole, but it’s likely close to life since first time director Jamie Sisley is using his own story in his well-crafted screenplay.
“Stay Awake” was first a short film that got some attention; expanding it to a satisfying feature meant including a lot of details likely echoing real life. Certainly, they seem to ring true, from the occasionally ribbing of the otherwise supportive brothers, to their inability to sustain girlfriends.
It’s a particularly nice performance from Chrissy Metz, of “This is Us” fame. Her character feels some guilt in her addiction but tries to keep an optimistic face around the boys lest they begin to despair. In a part that would be easy to overdo, she holds back and it seems real. It’s nice too that she has a role where for once her size is not the issue.
Cinematographer Alejandro Mejia does some striking framing in a town that glows warmly in its commercial neon. Ben Sollee’s score fits well.
But Sisley’s own tale at the heart of the bravely-told story is what draws us to the quiet, endearing, completely realistic film amid the noise of the usual summer releases.
“Stay Awake” is still playing individual cities as it continues to pick up awards at festival. It’s at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, Calif., tonight and the State Theater in Modesto, Calif., Aug. 4. It’s available at Amazon Instant Video or on Tubi.