It’s been a minute since I have seen a movie as original and full of life as the new film Junkie. Stevie (Rocky Shay) has just “left” court ordered rehab again. Her plan is to make good with her estranged son, Liam (Rett Keeter) and then flee her small southern town on the next bus to anywhere. She just has to make one last score, ask for help from judgemental family, and evade the authorities. Think The Big Lebowski, but with heavier drugs and a lot more heart. William Means writes and directs a surprisingly funny, gritty, and ultimately affirming story about an addict on the run.
In the opening scene, one of my favorites actually, Stevie rolls up to a cousin’s trailer to say hello. Without any money, no phone, and nothing but her ill-fitting top and some cutoff shorts, Stevie tries to play it cool until she gets caught trying to steal money from her cousin’s purse. An all-out brawl breaks out and Stevie bolts out the front door barefoot, flipping her cousin the bird. This moment sets the chaotic, comedic tone for the film. What’s more, for some reason, we not only love Stevie, we are rooting for her.
Landing next at Kye’s (Kian Morr) house, Stevie begs for one more chance to make money by selling for him. Slick as a panther, Kye reluctantly agrees since there is a huge rave about to happen. However he demands that Stevie’s former bestie Sherry (Jessica Lea Risco) go along to assist. The two women have a frenemie vibe between them. They are sniping at each other one minute and supporting each other the next. Shay and Risco have a magnetic chemistry together here that is wonderful to watch.
Stevie and Sherry are back in business together. The two get in one scrape after the other and handle their clients like the pros that they are. But there is nothing that can prepare Stevie with for reconnecting with her son, Liam, much less actually trying to be a mother again before saying goodbye. Shay is utterly magnificent in the role of Stevie. Tethered by her addiction to meth, haunted by regret, and longing to escape, she never once falls into pathos. Shay imbues Stevie with an endearing determination and honesty that never falls into parody. We laugh with her, not at her. Her motivations are never the joke. The Chandleresque plot throws our heroine (if you will forgive the term) into one bizarre situation after another and she remains true to who she is. This is why the film works.
William Means breaks stereotypes at every turn with his authentic story and characters. We understand them, we identify with them, flaws and all. We get past the differences and begin to see who people are. What’s more, we are reminded there is still, perhaps, a little good in the heart of an addict. Will Stevie ever make amends with her son? Will she finally be able to escape the small berg she is trapped in? Do yourself a favor and go on a trip with Junkie.
