Watch Virginia

Virginia is a compelling drama film directed by Dustin Lance Black. The film revolves around the story of a single mother, Virginia (Jennifer Connelly) living in a small Virginia town in the 1970s, and her son, Emmett (Harrison Gilbertson), who is both the love of her life and a source of great concern. The film tells the story of the challenges that the mother-son duo face while living in an environment where expectations of propriety are high, relationships are guarded, and the past is never fully left behind. Virginia is a complex character who is forced to navigate a number of personal and societal obstacles to ensure the well-being of herself and her son. An unwed mother, she lives with her adult son in a small conservative town, and is looked down upon by the townspeople. She wants nothing more than to be accepted and respected by the people who surround her, but her past mistakes continue to haunt her. She has a troubled relationship with her religious and controlling ex-boyfriend, Sheriff Richard Tipton (Ed Harris), who is determined to never let her forget her past. Emmett is a teenager with a bright future ahead of him - he's a talented singer and has dreams of making it big. But, he becomes increasingly concerned about his mother's erratic behavior after she starts a relationship with a much younger man, and starts to worry that she's not capable of taking care of herself. Emmett's concerns are not entirely unfounded, as Virginia's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading her to make some questionable decisions. As the story progresses, we learn more about Virginia’s past and her relationship with Sheriff Tipton. We also see the power dynamics in this small town and how it affects the lives of Virginia and her son. Through this portrait of a struggling mother and son, Virginia tackles themes of love, trust, and acceptance, as well as the social stigmas surrounding single motherhood, mental illness, and homosexuality. The film is beautifully shot and boasts a great ensemble cast. Jennifer Connelly delivers an outstanding performance as Virginia, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and vulnerabilities with authenticity and nuance. Ed Harris does a fantastic job as the stern and judgmental Sheriff Tipton, conveying both his power and his vulnerability with ease. Harrison Gilbertson is also impressive as Emmett, bringing a raw emotional depth to his character. Another notable aspect of the film is its setting. The small town is beautifully captured and the cinematography perfectly captures the muted colors of the countryside. The film's music is also noteworthy, with a soft and gentle soundtrack that complements the mood and tone of the film. Overall, Virginia is an engaging and thought-provoking film that explores complex issues through the eyes of two multidimensional characters. It’s a poignant story of a flawed mother and her son, and their journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The movie offers a powerful message about the importance of love and acceptance, and how it can transform even the most difficult of situations.