Watch Burn the Ships

Burn the Ships is a powerful indie drama film from 2017 about a young man's struggle to rebuild his life after being released from prison. It stars Joey Arrietta as Quinten, a former inmate who is trying to leave his troubled past behind and start a new life. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself constantly facing temptation and is forced to navigate a dangerous world filled with drugs, crime, and violence.

Cheri Kempf plays Patty, Quinten's mother, who is also trying to turn her life around after years of addiction. Upon her son’s release from prison, she is determined to stay clean and help him stay on the straight and narrow. Jackie Ledbetter plays Angela, a woman who becomes Quinten's love interest and partner in his quest for a better life.

The film is set in a small Arizona town, where Quinten returns to live with his mother after years away. Burn the Ships explores the challenges faced by those who have been incarcerated and their struggles to fit back into society. The title of the movie is a reference to a historical event in which Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés burned his own ships so that his men could not retreat, but were forced to move forward and conquer.

The film explores themes of family, redemption, and the difficulties faced by those trying to escape their past. Quinten must come face to face with the mistakes of his past as he tries to rebuild his life. Throughout the film, he grapples with addiction and is constantly tempted by his old habits. He struggles to find a job and make ends meet, but is determined to succeed despite the odds.

Patty, too, faces her own challenges as she tries to put her addiction behind her. She attends support group meetings and tries to rebuild her relationships with friends and family. She is fiercely protective of her son and wants nothing more than to see him succeed. Angela provides a source of stability and support for Quinten, but also faces her own struggles as she tries to help him overcome his addiction.

Director Jeremy Ray Valdez delivers a powerful and honest portrayal of life after incarceration in Burn the Ships. He expertly captures the raw emotions and struggles faced by those trying to rebuild their lives after prison. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals that capture the stark beauty of the Arizona desert.

Joey Arrietta delivers a standout performance as Quinten, expertly portraying the character's emotional struggles and inner turmoil. Cheri Kempf is also excellent as Patty, bringing a raw vulnerability to the role. Jackie Ledbetter provides a strong supporting performance as Angela, and the chemistry between her and Arrietta is palpable.

The film also features an excellent supporting cast, including Adam Beach as Quinten's parole officer and Gil Birmingham as a local drug dealer. The performances are all top-notch, and the cast expertly captures the complex relationships and tensions that arise in a small town struggling with addiction and crime.

Overall, Burn the Ships is a powerful and compelling drama that explores important themes of redemption and second chances. It is a realistic and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by those trying to rebuild their lives after prison. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in thoughtful and engaging dramas, and features outstanding performances from its talented cast.

Burn the Ships is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.