When the last factory in a small Rust Belt town closes its doors, an unlikely hero emerges in dutiful, quiet Allery Parkes (Peter Gerety). A career employee of the factory, the aging Allery can’t reconcile how to live a life simply sitting at home doing nothing, and against the advice and pleas of his loving wife, Iola (Talia Shire), he forms an unlikely friendship with his charismatic neighbor, Walter Brewer (Billy Brown), in order to revive the defunct factory. As their community rallies around them – and as their former corporate bosses strategize how to implode this unexpected movement – Allery learns that he might be something he never thought possible: a leader.
Filmed in Chicago in 20 days (plus one day in Joliet), locations in the film include Makray Manufacturing in Norridge; Ed’s Way Food Mart in Forest Park; and Las Palmas Restaurant in Wicker Park. The film’s ensemble cast is populated entirely by Chicago talent, including Bea Cordelia (“The T”), Patrese McClain (“Widows”), Kristen Fitzgerald (the upcoming “Killing Eleanor” and Artistic Director at A Red Orchid Theatre) and J. Salome Martinez (“The Messenger,” “Goodman’s A Christmas Carol”).
Written and Directed by Robert Jury.
Now available on VOD and on DVD June 2nd
