Watch AWOL

AWOL, directed by Deb Shoval, is a romantic drama movie set in rural Pennsylvania. The movie centers around Joey (Lola Kirke), a young woman who feels trapped in her small town, working in a dead-end job at a domestic laundry. Joey is struggling to figure out what she wants to do with her life and dreams of escaping to a big city, where life is full of adventure, and she can find her true passion. Joey's world gets turned upside down when she meets Rayna (Breeda Wool), a married mother of two who is also looking for some excitement in her life. Despite their different backgrounds, the two fall in love, and Joey is swept away by the intense passion and feelings she has for Rayna. As their relationship blossoms, Rayna reveals that she dreams of leaving her husband and children behind to start a new life with Joey. Unwilling to give up the safety of her small-town life and unsure if she's ready to commit to such a huge life change, Joey finds herself struggling to reconcile her love for Rayna with her fear of change and uncertainty. With breathtaking scenery and an incredibly moving love story, AWOL is a film that captures the essence of rural America while also exploring the complexities of human relationships. It also highlights the challenges of coming out in conservative communities and the stigma attached to same-sex relationships. The chemistry between Lola Kirke and Breeda Wool is electric and their acting is impeccable, making it easy to get lost in their love story. The movie moves at a leisurely pace, which allows for the characters to develop and for the audience to be fully immersed in the story. The supporting cast, including Kyle Monaghan as Joey's love-struck classmate and Dale Soules as a local bartender who takes Joey under her wing, are all excellent. What makes AWOL so powerful is the authenticity of the setting and the emotions that run through the characters. It's easy to imagine yourself in the small town of Pennsylvania, seeing the same faces every day and feeling the same sense of confinement that Joey does. With the film's realistic portrayal of life in rural America, it prompts the audience to reflect on their own lives and what it truly means to follow one's heart. In summary, AWOL is a beautifully crafted film about two women falling in love and finding themselves along the way. With strong performances, gorgeous scenery, and a poignant story, it's a powerful exploration of the human heart and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love.