AWOL
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AWOL (USA, 2016; 85 minutes)
Director: Deb Shoval
Recent high school graduate Joey (Lola Kirke) wants to escape the small town life of Wilkes-Barre, PA more than anything. Military service seems to be her best option, offering a chance to travel the world, use her automotive repair skills, and eventually pay for college.
Joey, an openly gay teen, meets Rayna (Breeda Wool), a sexy, older blonde who likes drinking and flirting, with a weakness for “them tomboys.” Soon, Joey’s head-over-heels in love and lust — even after discovering Rayna’s got excess baggage, which includes a couple of kids and a trucker husband to boot.
As their attraction intensifies so does the tension as they move from a summertime fling to something more serious. Although both feel trapped, could they stay and forge a life together in this small town? Or will both hearts be broken?
Based on her award-winning short film of the same name, Deb Shoval accurately captures working-class life in rural America. Shoval portrays working-class life in a small town and elicits powerful performances from her two engaging leads.