Emotionally open and deeply affecting, Kieran Thompson’s psychological drama follows three estranged friends who retreat into the wilderness in hopes of reconnecting, only for their reunion to turn tense once one vanishes. Struggling to communicate, these young men find themselves facing a crucial, potentially life-altering test of friendship and trust while coming to terms with what it truly means to be there for one another.
Inspired by Thompson’s journey to reconnect with his childhood best friend after nearly losing him in a tragic accident, The Only Way Out Is Through is about bonds of friendship, models of masculinity and the inner struggle that people, especially young men, rarely speak about openly. With an immensely talented young trio of actors at its core—Alex MacNicoll, Beau Knapp and Emilio Garcia-Sanchez—and scenic photography that makes striking use of peaks and valleys in the Rocky Mountains of southern Colorado, this deeply personal story has already resonated widely on the festival circuit.
Acclaimed out of its early screenings in Tucson, Phoenix, El Paso, New Hampshire and San Francisco, The Only Way Out Is Through is “the kind of indie film that feels increasingly rare, a genuinely honest look at men’s mental health and the way male friendships actually work,” writes Zachary, adding, “It understands how difficult it can be for men to open up to the people closest to them, while still capturing the humor, awkwardness and authenticity that come with those friendships.” It’s “one of the most powerful and moving films I have ever seen, period,” raves Movieswdan. “Sometimes as ‘dudes’ or ‘bros’, we lack the confidence to say, ‘I love you man.’ And I felt like that was what this movie was about: not being afraid to let your friends know that you love them, even if it’s hard, which it is.” Having earned comparisons to Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy and Jim Cummings’ Thunder Road, do not miss this emotionally stirring standout from the Phoenix indie filmmaking scene, exclusively on Video Store. Watch it now.