Review of Ruby in Paradise (1993) by Seitzst — 04 Oct 2021

Ruby in Paradise is a beautifully captured film that portrays some of the best parts of living in Florida, while not shying away from the struggles of it too. Director Victor Nuñez introduces a young woman, named Ruby Lee Gillings, as she explores her new found independence in a beach town that is on its off season.

The film really demonstrates the problems she has with finding a job when the whole place is deserted by tourists. However, Ruby is able to make something of herself through her choices and all of the characters she meets.

Ruby is played by Ashley Judd, in her first breakout role, and she is able to hit all of the emotional moments as she works perfectly off of her co-stars. This film does a great job at taking on a more humanistic approach to the classic ‘coming of age’ story by taking on a more realistic approach during this journey of self-discovery.