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Joe is a 2018 American independent drama film directed by Patrick Wang. The film follows the story of Joe, a father who is trying to reconnect with his grown daughter after serving time in prison. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Bethany Nicole Taylor, Sean MacLaughlin, and Shara Ashley Zeiger. At the start of the film, we see Joe getting released from prison after serving a 15-year sentence. He gets a job as a construction worker and tries to rebuild his life. However, he is haunted by his past and the mistakes he made, especially the strained relationship he had with his daughter, who has grown up without him.

When he tries to reach out to his daughter, he finds out that she is married and has a young daughter. She is reluctant to let him back into her life, which adds to his struggle to come to terms with his past. Despite this, he persists in trying to reconnect with her.

Joe's story is not just about his attempts to build a new relationship with his daughter, but also about the challenges he faces in trying to reintegrate with society after serving time in prison. He faces discrimination and mistrust from people around him, who view him as a criminal and not as someone who has paid for his mistakes.

Through a series of flashbacks, we get to see the events that led to Joe's imprisonment. We see how he was involved in a robbery that went wrong and resulted in the death of a police officer. These scenes are intercut with Joe's attempts to rebuild his life, which adds to the emotional depth of the film.

The film is not just about Joe's story. It also explores the lives of the people around him, including his co-workers, his daughter's family, and the people he interacts with on a daily basis. Each of these characters is fully realized and has their own struggles and challenges to deal with.

The film is shot in a stark, naturalistic style that adds to the gritty realism of Joe's story. The use of long takes and minimal dialogue creates an immersive atmosphere that draws the viewer into the film's world. The film's pacing is deliberate and measured, reflecting the slow and difficult process of Joe's attempts to rebuild his life.

The acting in Joe is superb, with each actor delivering a performance that is authentic and nuanced. Bethany Nicole Taylor delivers a standout performance as Joe's daughter, conveying the pain and anger that she feels towards her father while also showing moments of vulnerability and compassion. Sean MacLaughlin is equally impressive as Joe, portraying him as a man who is determined to make amends for his past mistakes but also struggling with feelings of guilt and shame.

Shara Ashley Zeiger also delivers a strong performance as Joe's ex-wife, who is grappling with her own issues and trying to protect her daughter from the pain of the past. The chemistry between the actors is natural and believable, adding to the emotional impact of the film.

Overall, Joe is a powerful and moving drama that explores the challenges faced by those trying to rebuild their lives after serving time in prison. The film is a nuanced and authentic portrayal of a man's struggle to come to terms with his past and make amends for his mistakes. With strong performances and a realistic, naturalistic style, Joe is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.