Watch Redwood Highway

Redwood Highway is a beautiful and poignant indie drama film that was released in 2013. The movie stars Shirley Knight as a retired school teacher named Marie who embarks on a spontaneous journey to attend her granddaughter's wedding in a different part of the state. James Le Gros plays Marie's disapproving son, who doesn't want her to make the trip alone, while Catherine E. Coulson plays a kind-hearted truck driver who offers Marie a lift.

The movie takes place in the stunningly beautiful Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where the titular Redwood Highway winds its way through towering trees and majestic landscapes. This setting provides a stunning backdrop for the emotional journey that Marie goes on as she tries to reconnect with her family and find meaning in her own life.

At the heart of Redwood Highway is Shirley Knight's remarkable performance as Marie. Knight imbues the character with a quiet dignity and strength, despite the fact that Marie is struggling with various ailments and is frequently underestimated by those around her. As Marie makes her way along the highway, encountering various obstacles and kind-hearted strangers, Knight communicates a sense of quiet resolve that is deeply affecting.

James Le Gros is also excellent as Marie's son, who is initially portrayed as a disapproving, overprotective figure but gradually reveals a deeper well of vulnerability and love for his mother. The scenes between Knight and Le Gros are some of the most emotionally charged in the film, as their characters struggle to reconcile longstanding tensions and misunderstandings.

Meanwhile, Catherine E. Coulson's truck driver character provides a much-needed source of comic relief and kindness. Coulson, who is best known for her role as the Log Lady in David Lynch's Twin Peaks, plays the truck driver with a warm, compassionate energy that makes her an instant fan favorite. Her scenes with Knight are a particular highlight, as the two women strike up an unlikely friendship that is both funny and touching.

Overall, Redwood Highway is a beautiful, heartfelt film that deals with themes of family, aging, and mortality in a sensitive and nuanced way. The gorgeous Pacific Northwest setting, the outstanding performances by Shirley Knight, James Le Gros, and Catherine E. Coulson, and the film's uplifting message all combine to create a deeply moving cinematic experience. Whether you're a fan of indie dramas, road trip movies, or just great acting, Redwood Highway is definitely worth seeking out.

Redwood Highway is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.