Phoenix Film Festival 2009

Growing up in Barstow, CA, a town of about 9,000 homes in the Mojave Desert, high school senior Andrew Dayton hopes for a bigger world. Andrew lives with his somewhat irresponsible single mother, Sandra, a waitress. Despite being college material -- a quality noted by his science teacher, Mr. Johns -- Andrew seems to be slipping into the inertia of Barstow.Mr. Johns aggressively challenges Andrew's decision to delay college, painting a bleak picture of Andrew's future if he doesn't leave Barstow. This angers Andrew because he feels trapped, but deep down he knows Mr. Johns is right.In the midst of confusion, Andrew meets newcomer Jenny and begins his first real sexual experience. Discovering the relationship, Sandra becomes increasingly possessive while at the same time throwing herself into her current fling with a much younger man, Cody. Andrew's main ally is his best friend Carlos who shares Andrew's dreams of college and encourages him.Carlos surprises Andrew with the news that Andrew has been accepted to college, but when Andrew goes to tell Sandra, he finds her drowning in misery. Cody has stolen their few valuables and run off. Desperately relying on Andrew more than ever, Sandra's need and self-absorption overshadow Andrew's news as she grabs and clings to him.While Sandra sleeps, Andrew contemplates, weighing those who need him against the possibilities of life in the larger world. Ultimately, Andrew realizes he must make a choice between himself and those he loves.