Nowhere, Michigan works with a small, but effective cast. The story revolves around David (Tequan Richmond), a young man who is on the run from a pair of deadly con-men. David finds himself traveling across state lines in hopes of escaping the men, with the ultimately goal being to find himself somewhere hidden away in Canada. Before he gets there however, he must spend time in a sleepy mitten state town where life moves at a pace all its own.
As the story progresses David finds himself intrigued by two locals, Madison (Jenna Boyd) and April (Christina Scherer). This leads to an awkward love triangle that the whole town soon learns of, including Madison’s uncle, Martin (Richard Riehle). Aside from those just mentioned and the con-men, Erin (Ashlie Atkinson) is the last piece of the puzzle. Erin provides some comedic relief as the resident meth addict/dealer. There’s a couple moments in the film where she shines and it’s when the screen splits to show two events happening simultaneously. In the first, David is making meth and Erin is waiting outside posing with her gun. This moment provides that little laugh we all need when things get a little too serious.
Nowhere, Michigan struggles a little with pacing. When David is on the run, time feels like it’s moving much slower. However, as soon as the con-men show up on screen, everything intensifies and moves along faster. They waste no time and are crucial to moving the movie along. Thankfully, the slower moments with David on his own pay off once he meets Madison. There’s a great moment between the two where we find out their history in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Later, we get more of that when April shows David around town. With April, it’s immediately clear that she’s the bubbly personality of the movie.
Sometimes you can get the impression that everyone does a lot of the same thing in a small town, simply because there isn’t much to do. While watching this film, you’ll notice how even in a small town where everyone knows everyone, there’s still a uniqueness to each character. Nowhere, Michigan let’s the viewer know that while there isn’t much to do, some people still try to avoid each other even though it’s virtually impossible. This is why it’s also difficult for David to hide from the con-men. For a while, you think he’s safe in a small town, and so does he, but it might be the worst place he could have stopped. It leads you right into a false sense of security, which in the end, doesn’t bode well.
It’s abundantly clear throughout the film that the people behind it are drawing inspiration from both Fargo and Breaking Bad. While the movie doesn’t hold a candle to either show, it’s still enjoyable. The pacing isn’t a huge problem in the end since the movie comes in at just over an hour and a half, but it still struggles to hold your attention.
With all this in mind it shouldn’t come as a surprise that ending also falls flat. Without spoiling it, the final moments are simply unrealistic. Overall, it’s a decent movie and there’s a chance you’ll see some familiar faces in it. It’s not a movie full of unknown actors and actresses, they just aren’t superstars either. It’s well-acted and a decent story. Nowhere, Michigan is worth watching because of the story it tells and the way it tells it.
Nowhere, Michigan has a screening at NYC Independent Film Fest on May 4th at Producers’ Club (Theater S) at 8:30pm. Robert Vornkahl directed the film.
