Ep 10. Oxyana

In the episode titled Oxyana, America ReFramed brings viewers to the small, Appalachian town of Oceana, West Virginia, which has become known as the “oxy capital” of America. The film follows the lives of several residents, each of whom has been affected by the devastating opioid epidemic that has plagued the town.

Narrated primarily by a young mother named Jacy, who is herself struggling with addiction, the film paints a bleak portrait of life in Oceana. We learn that the town has been hit hard by the decline of the coal industry, leaving many residents with few job prospects and little hope for the future. The easy availability of prescription painkillers such as OxyContin has only made matters worse, leading to widespread addiction, overdoses, and deaths.

Despite the grim subject matter, however, Oxyana is not without hope. Throughout the film, we see residents banding together to support one another, whether through church groups, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, or simply by checking in on their neighbors. We meet a middle-aged couple who are getting clean together after years of addiction, and a pastor who has taken it upon himself to offer hope and assistance to those struggling with addiction.

Perhaps most movingly, we meet a group of teenagers who have decided to take action against the epidemic in their community. Calling themselves the “Hope Dealers,” these young people go door to door, offering support and encouragement to those affected by addiction. They also organize a community-wide “March Against Addiction” and engage in other forms of activism, all in an effort to make their town a better place.

Throughout the film, the landscape of Oceana serves as a powerful metaphor for the struggle faced by its residents. Shot in stark, beautiful black and white, the film’s images of decaying buildings, rusting machinery, and abandoned storefronts are haunting and evocative. At the same time, however, the film also shows us glimpses of the natural beauty that still abounds in the area, from the rolling hills to the sparkling rivers.

Ultimately, Oxyana is a deeply moving meditation on the human toll of addiction, as well as a powerful testament to the resilience of people in the face of adversity. Through the stories of Jacy, the Hope Dealers, and others, the film reminds us that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.