Three teenage girls struggle to survive in the urban jungle of their hardscrabble New Jersey neighborhood in this fact-inspired independent drama. Oz (Judy Marte) is an unapologetically tough 17-year-old who oversees a team of drug dealers, but beneath her hard shell is a soft heart as she cares for her younger brother who is mentally challenged (Dominic Colón). Suzette (Anny Mariano) is 15, and her mother is determined that her daughter is going to make something of herself -- which makes
matters all the worse for Suzette when her boyfriend gets her pregnant then refuses to take his share of the responsibilities. And Marison (Paola Mendoza) is a young single mother who is trying to hold on to custody of her daughter while fighting a losing battle with drug addiction. On the Outs received its world premiere at the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Based on the true cases culled from juvenile courts, this coming-of-age odyssey sensitively portrays the perilous predicament of girls growing up in today's inner city.
Judy Marte once again shows that she's an actress to watch. She's a commanding presence on screen and demands that you feel for her, even though her story is not the most sympathetic.
Granted that On the Outs doesn't explore any new realms of destitute city life but it still contains unspeakable moments of desolation and disillusionment.
Sometimes I get a little worried when, before I start watching a movie, I watch the previews on the DVD of other 'recommended films' and they all look TERRIBLE. I usually end up regretting the movie selection.
This film was an exception. The recommended films looked like crap. But, this film was well worth the
watch. Some harsh realities depicted...granted, I've never walked even remotely close to the paths of the main characters in this movie...so what do I know about the 'reality' but, nothing depicted here seemed in the least bit implausible. Completely believable characters in tough situations making bad decisions and facing very painful consequences. Not exactly the feel good movie of the year. But, sadly, I suspect, these are some of the life choices many teenagers are actually facing. Drugs. sex. violence. survival. pain. loss. suffering. with just a glimpse of hope.
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