Watch The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd Z-Man Zalkins

The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd Z-Man Zalkins is a powerful and emotional documentary that tells the story of one man's struggle with addiction and his journey to recovery. The film follows Todd Zalkins, a former drug addict and longtime friend of Bradley Nowell, the frontman of the band Sublime, as he confronts his past and tries to make sense of the tragedy that took his friend's life.

The documentary begins by introducing viewers to Todd Zalkins, who opens up about his struggles with addiction and his lifelong friendship with Bradley Nowell. Through interviews with family members, friends, and fellow musicians, we learn more about Todd's journey and the impact that Bradley's death had on his life.

The film then delves deeper into Todd's addiction, exploring how he became addicted to prescription painkillers and how his addiction spiraled out of control. We see Todd at his lowest point, homeless and destitute, struggling to survive on the streets of Orange County.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Todd eventually finds a way to turn his life around. Through the support of family and friends, as well as his own determination and resilience, he is able to overcome his addiction and regain control of his life.

The Long Way Back doesn't shy away from the darker moments of Todd's story, but it's ultimately a film about hope and redemption. As Todd reflects on his journey, he discovers that the road to recovery is a long and difficult one, but it's a road that he's proud to have taken.

In addition to Todd's personal journey, the documentary also explores the larger issue of addiction in America. Through interviews with experts in the field and powerful statistics, the film reveals the staggering toll that addiction has taken on our society.

One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Todd meets with Jim Papa Nowell, Bradley's father. Jim shares his own experiences with addiction, and the two men bond over their shared struggles. It's a powerful reminder that addiction doesn't discriminate, and that nobody is immune to its grip.

Throughout the film, we also get a poignant look at Bradley Nowell's life and legacy. Through archival footage and interviews with bandmates and family members, we see the impact that Bradley had on the music world and the people around him.

The Long Way Back is a beautifully crafted documentary that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, and a testament to the power of love, friendship, and community.

Overall, The Long Way Back is a must-see documentary for anyone who has been affected by addiction, or who is interested in exploring the human condition. It's a deeply personal story that resonates on a universal level, and it's sure to leave viewers both moved and inspired.

The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd Z-Man Zalkins is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.