‘Liquor Bank’ Review – A Sincere Portrayal Of Commitment, Patience, and Selflessness

Synopsis: Based on a true story, Liquor Bank follows an ex-Marine who relapses, missing the celebration of his one-year sobriety anniversary with his AA support group.

Despite dark times and feeling that the weight of the world is buckling just your knees, you are not alone. Whether you realize it or not, life is a team sport, and if you put in the tiniest effort, you’ll always have someone in your corner. Opening up emotionally can be scary, but you’d be surprised how many people have gone through or are currently going through the same struggles. Not to mention, suffering in silence is never a healthy alternative. It will affect your daily life in unimaginable ways. Join a support group or talk to someone you trust who is willing to listen because while darkness can be all-consuming, a little bit of light can offer hope. And hope provides endless possibilities if you’re willing to do the work.

“I’m a lost cause, Baker.”

Life is already hard enough; don’t make it more difficult on yourself. Written and directed by Marcellus Cox, Liquor Bank is a sincere portrayal of commitment, patience, and selflessness. From its vulnerable, attention-grabbing opening to its full-hearted, grounded conclusion, this short film is a fantastic reminder that good people still exist. The story is blunt and unflinching and doubles down on its messaging that addiction is endlessly difficult and debilitating, but can be managed with the help of someone who cares. Alcoholism can affect and transform the toughest of us. It comes with endless lies, excuses, and ways to escape, but it leads nowhere, at least nowhere good. As the dark downward spiral into the bottom of a bottle is explored, it is counterbalanced by kindness and tough love. It shows us that even in a sometimes unbearable world, it is better to be present and alive. It’s not only life-affirming, it’s people-affirming.

“I can see your potential.”

The short features a perfect balance of depth and narrative, giving each character a backstory while leaving just enough mystery to make the characters interesting. The writing and direction showcase that Cox has a phenomenal feature in the chamber that is itching to be developed. Its cinematography puts the viewer in a fly-on-the-wall scenario, and its overall tone and aesthetic sync wonderfully. While the performances are good, it’s the script that makes this poignant piece work. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

While this is a short film, a bad pace is still very possible. Fortunately, this story flows like good music. There’s a cadence that keeps throughout that you catch, and you can ride that wave until the end. What popped for me was the film’s realness. It feels personal.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Antwone Barnes, Sean Alexander James

Whether it’s fifteen minutes or two hours, delivering a powerful message with only two people is no easy task. Nevertheless, Antwone Barnes (Eddie) and Sean Alexander James (Baker) pulled it off with great form. While some moments feel a little raw, it adds to the authenticity of the story. While Barnes’ Eddie is on the brink, James’ Baker embodies patience, empathy, and never giving up on others, bringing a rugged warmth to a direly cold situation. I’d love to see the pair in a feature-length version of this.

Liquor Bank is set to make the festival rounds beginning this summer. Stay safe and stay kind.

Rated: NR Runtime: 15m Director: Marcellus Cox Writer: Marcellus Cox Producers: Marcellus Cox, Eric Quincy Executive Producers: Armando Townsend, Adam Freed Director of Photography: Fabian Tehrani Score: Luke Richards Editor: James L. Gilmore Production Design: Karen Warren Costume Design: Jessica Alveolar