Watch Black Ruby

Black Ruby is a 2017 film directed by LaRonde Williams and produced by Zachary Laoutides. It's an indie drama film set in the coal mining region of Appalachia, where Ruby, a young African American coal miner, wants to escape his town's cycle of drug addiction and poverty. He and his father suffer the consequences of a mining industry in decline, but Ruby dreams of making music and going to college outside of the coalmines.

Set in the early 2000s, Black Ruby creates a sense of nostalgia for a time when even small towns had their own microcultures, wrestling matches were a staple form of entertainment and bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam were the musical heroes. The filmmakers capture this world exceptionally well, with the help of a great soundtrack, including songs by Zac Brown, Gary Jules, and Michael Franti. We see how cultural divisions, race, and social class create tensions and challenges for the characters. The film's quiet, lingering shots of Ruby's surroundings convey the sense of isolation and desperation he feels.

The film has an impressive cast, with Zachary Laoutides playing the lead role of Ruby, a young, talented musician, and coal miner who aspires to leave the town behind and pursue his dreams of making it big in the music industry. Ric Morgan plays the role of Ruby's father, who struggles with addiction and is desperate to see his son succeed where he failed. Marius Iliescu plays the role of Bobby, Ruby's best friend and bandmate.

As Ruby's dreams start to seem more tangible, he is invited to perform at a music festival in Atlanta, but his joy is short-lived as he discovers that making it in the music industry isn't as easy as he thought it would be. He faces rejection, financial difficulties, and separation from his loved ones. As Ruby's journey progresses, we see him face different forms of adversity that make his already difficult life even harder. He tries his best to stay true to himself and his values, but the world around him is unforgiving. The tension and uncertainty of his journey throughout the film will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The film's exploration of addiction, race, and poverty make it a worthwhile watch, and the cinematography is atmospheric and breathtaking at times. The themes that are tackled in the movie are relevant and important, highlighting the struggles faced by people in Appalachia who have been left behind by the modern economy. These people often work in dangerous and low-wage jobs while facing issues like environmental degradation and opioid addiction.

Throughout the story, we see the relationship between Ruby and his father evolve, as they attempt to reconcile their differences and confront their issues head-on. The father-son relationship is one of the most compelling aspects of the film. It's interesting to see how Ruby navigates the challenges of his journey while also trying to maintain his relationships with those closest to him.

At times, the movie can feel a bit slow-paced, but this is also one of its strengths. The film takes the time to establish a sense of place and immerse the viewer into Ruby's world, making the character's eventual escape all the more meaningful. The climactic scene of the movie concludes the story in a satisfactory way, but viewers may be left wondering what happens next.

All in all, Black Ruby is a moving and poignant exploration of the challenges faced by individuals living in the coal mining regions of the US. The film resonates with themes of hope, triumph, and the human desire to overcome obstacles. It's a film that deserves to be seen, and its examination of the social issues facing communities in Appalachia is an important and relevant one.

Black Ruby is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.