Austin Film Festival Short Feature Review: ‘Vial’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Joel Austin as Ken in Alexandre Davis’ VIAL. (Photo Courtesy of the Austin Film Festival.)

Often times, stories that feature individuals that have had some kind of run in with the law and are currently trying to put their lives back together, are supremely positive in nature, and understandably so. After all, that individual has done their time, and clearly are reformed enough to be granted a release. So, it stands to reason that a story focused upon a person like that, would showcase a desire to return to society and enjoy a second chance, and likely settle some old scores the right way. To find peace, to show the system works. But let’s be honest… that really is the best-case scenario when you think about it, and true escapism from a storytelling standpoint. Simply because, those stories aren’t the constant in our world, and if they were, crime would be relatively nonexistent. Because that would mean the system does work and people do learn and grow from their mistakes.
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But the truth is, it doesn’t, and people head in and out of prison in a revolving door style. Sometimes because the system is indeed against them or because they simply didn’t learn a damn thing, and did enough in prison, to get the hell out of prison. Only for them to slip back into old haunts, and it’s devastating to know that some people don’t learn from their mistakes and fall into cycles and traps and do more harm on their way back to jail. So, in many ways, it makes sense why we try to find the positive in such matters, but in reality, we should not. We should showcase a grittier side to the system, and what people really do when they get out of jail. So that at last, we can no longer ignore the broken nature of the system and how it creates lifetime criminals and how the right lessons aren’t being learned within its walls, and it just so happens that a short feature that debuted at the Austin Film Festival, takes the time to do just that. 

Which is a feat that Vial accomplishes, by introducing us to a man named Ken. Who is a recovering addict that has finally escaped the clutches of prison for drug related charges and at first glance, appears to be following the standard story we are used to. Since he’s out in the world, in awe of the changes that have come forth while he was away, and he is even working hard to make sure his son has what he needs and wants in this life. But alas, there is a slight problem when it comes to Ken’s second chance. In that, he still struggles with addiction, and he’s on the hook for standard testing with his probation officer… and in his system are traces of his last use. Which means, that unless he wants to go back to prison, he is going to have to go to extremes to maintain life on the outside, and in order to do that… he needs clean urine and a delivery method for it. A sobering reality that puts Ken in a tough place, wherein the choices he makes… will change his life forever.

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Which does indeed bring forth, a powerful tale for certain. One that truly does showcase how the system as it stands, does not work. Because clearly, Ken didn’t learn a damn thing while he was in prison and the system didn’t do him any favors in getting clean. Since he is still an addict when we meet him, and that reality brings forth an intense journey for certain. Wherein we watch a desperate man do desperate things to maintain that freedom and maintain the life he so badly wants. In the most heartbreaking manner possible, no less. That gives rise to tragic moments, really, the kind that shock you and stay with you, and truly showcase… how things really are for former inmates in our world, and how we the people… need to demand better of the system. So, that the tragedy that is Ken’s journey here, never comes to fruition again.
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Yet, while the feature’s commentary on the system is spot-on and engaging, there is still so much that that this film has to offer. For it also provides us, with a fascinating look at the power of substance abuse and the strength it exerts over people. Because we really do see Ken struggle with living within two worlds. For part of him is desperate to be near his son, so he can raise him right and see him grow. Yet at the same time, he’s all about that fix, and the sheer thought of someone buying gear and cultivating urine to pass a drug test… is wild… but it’s very real. Because there are indeed people who struggle with addiction, that lead two lives and do their best to hide the truth from their loved ones because of the power it exerts over them and the peace it brings them, and this feature deserves a round of applause for showcasing such uncomfortable truths about addiction.

If anything, all of these elements bring forth just a stunning feature. One that really reflects a slice of life that we don’t think about or talk about enough. But we should pay attention, and we should start discussing such truths. Because that’s the only way change will come forth, and all of this is expressed over the course of fourteen minutes. Which is no small feat, but director Alexandre Davis, working with a script that they have co-written with Robert Capron and David Holmes, brings about a tour de force story. One that is well-acted as well thanks to Joel Austin’s revelatory turn as Ken, and truly… this is an important piece of cinema. One that has a lot to say about the state of the system, and how badly it is failing people that are in need of support.

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