Review of Middle of Nowhere (2012) by Patrick H — 12 Feb 2012

This powerful film chronicles the journey of Ruby (Emayatzy Corinealdi) , who chooses to place her priorities on her marriage rather than her own career and personal fulfillment â" a decision made particularly difficult by the fact that her husband Derek (Omari Hardwick) has been sentenced to 8 years in prison. The film explores issues of commitment, faithfulness, redemption and hope. Ava DuVernay, who both wrote and directed the film, weaves an engaging tale of a woman caught between emotion and reason, hope and despair, trust and betrayal.

The story is told through the black box of Rubyâ(TM)s experience. The ambiguity of the film vividly expresses the sense that Ruby sees through a glass darkly. Outside of the visitorâ(TM)s room and the parole hearing office, we never see inside of the prison â" we have no idea how her husband is behaving in prison â" we just have to sort through the contradictory evidence we hear from her husband and the prison staff.

The film is told using an extensive number of dream sequences. We canâ(TM)t tell whether these are memories Ruby is recalling, or hopes of a better future which she cherishes. Although confronted by factors outside of her control â" her husbandâ(TM)s choices, the criminal justice system, the lack of support from her family and friends, the unsolicited attention of her bus driver, the abandonment of her case by an attorney â" Ruby is a strong woman. She lets go of the things that she canâ(TM)t change, and takes positive steps to address the things that she can.

The movie takes place in between the forgotten and the foreseen, that which is long lost and that which is long awaited. In a powerful scene toward the end of the movie, Ruby reflects that she is in a middle place â" she has expectations of what should be, shame for what is, and dreams about what could be. The movie ends ambiguously, without us knowing whether her husband turned around, or whether or not she waited for him.

The film did an excellent job of portraying the hope and despair of a person caught up in forces beyond their control. We live our lives so much of the time between our memories and our hopes, amidst disappointments, often misunderstood by family and friends. Ultimately, it is our faith â" our hopes and dreams projected onto the reality we are experiencing, which will guide our choices.