Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘States’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

When one ponders upon the notion of freedom, a lot of warm and fuzzy thoughts come to mind. Because it is something that every American enjoys on a daily basis. For in the USA we are free to simply do whatever we want, whenever we want. If we want to not work today, so be it. We can call in sick and spend the day on our deck enjoying nature. Or if we feel the need to just get the hell out of dodge and clear our minds, well we can do that too. Which is why so many people are good with hopping on a cheap flight to their favorite getaway city, or in the car for a quick trip into nature, because they have that freedom and it is downright wonderful.
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But what is truly amazing about freedom, is that it extends beyond just being able to relax on a moment’s notice. It also means you can truly indulge in any endeavor that catches your eye. For if you think you want to take a crack at creative writing, you sure can. Or if you think you want to learn how to paint, you can, and you can do those things as you please because there’s nothing in America to stop you. But while those elements of freedom are wonderful for certain, what’s wild about our country is that that particular brand of freedom isn’t for everyone. Because to some, it still denotes structure and expectation, when they are in fact, looking for true freedom. The kind that allows for them to discover who they are and what they mean to the world and oddly enough, that particularly intimate journey is one that is explored in fascinating detail in the motion picture, States. 

For this particular movie introduces us to a bevy of unique characters who are all looking for some kind of genuine and personal freedom in this life. Some for example, are looking for religious freedom and want to figure out how to properly communicate with their God. While others are looking to escape the trappings of their current life so they can genuinely enjoy what the world has to offer. While there are others in this film who are simply looking to free their minds and their souls from the pain that they carry and that makes for one fascinating and unique motion picture. One that quite frankly, isn’t for everyone. Because this is in no way a traditional movie by Hollywood’s standards. So, if you’re looking for the standard beginning, middle and end where everyone’s arc comes to a close in a satisfying manner, then this film may not be for you.

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Because this is a motion picture that quite frankly, revels in the chaos of life and the power of discovery. For so many of the characters here are simply lost and are desperately looking for direction. And when someone is in that particular state of mind, they will make embarrassing and awful mistakes, the kind that cause them personal shame or help them to lose it all and that’s a bold element to inject into this story. For it in no way inspires the audience. It instead subjects the viewer to the harsh reality that the world is a cruel place, from which there is no escape from chaos, and while that makes this movie seem nihilistic and cynical at first glance, that’s simply not the case in the slightest. Instead, as this movie rolls along, it quickly becomes apparent that it offers nothing more than genuine slices of life and that it wants to be nothing more than a visceral experience.
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A goal that it outright succeeds at for certain. Because you really do meet people from all walks of life here. For there are some great folks who have nothing but good intentions in their heart in this film, whilst there are others who are less than savory and harbor some genuine darkness. But that’s life, and you take the good with the bad as it comes and learn from it as best you can. But what matters most when it comes to this motion picture, is the freedom that it does indeed put on display. Because despite the circumstances that some of these characters face, it’s clear that they are truly at home on the road here, and they are finding great joy and satisfaction in working out whatever is on their minds and that definitely makes this film a worthwhile watch, since that in essence offers the audience an important message.

Specifically, that if we ever feel trapped in life or unsure of where we are headed, that we should make a grand effort to find ourselves. And if that means getting lost in the world for a little bit then so be it. Because when you strip away the creature comforts and the security, you quickly come to learn what you’re made of and what you’re capable of and that’s sound advice that so many of us can use. In the end however, this really is quite the special indie film. Mainly because it is so unconventional in how it tells its story. But if you’re in the mood to experience a story that is unlike anything you’ve seen in recent years, one that features some fascinating slices of life that will definitely take you by surprise, then take a moment out of your day and get lost on the road with some supremely fascinating people.   

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