Middle America is known for its warm-hearted people, its beautiful terrain and its small rural towns. In these areas most people know everything about one another and someone else's problem is everyone's issue. This hospitality and sense of community is represented in Oceana, West Virginia, but Sean Dunne's nauseating yet gripping drug addiction themed feature debut documentary portrays the underbelly of said towns.
"Oxyana" reveals the drug addiction epidemic in Oceana with most of its residents being dependent on the prescription drug oxycodin. The title refers to the nickname that the town has been baptized with as a result of the issue. The film begins with a scenic montage of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, the coal mines and the small town and makes it seem like any ordinary, peaceful town. Dunne introduces us to some townspeople who also introduce Oceana as gorgeous and welcoming. However, they slowly reveal the drug epidemic, its causes, and effects without letting the audience know who they are. Other people are introduced and they affirm that the cause of the problem is from general boredom. Throughout its running time the documentary explores the issue further and the aforementioned people reveal their addictions and eventually unravel right in front of the camera.
Dunne has no intention to judge the problems of his subjects. He allows each person to speak in front of the camera and never has others pass judgments on one another. One of the most affecting cases features a man suffering from seven brain tumors who can barely speak. Although he is sick he states that he has no intention of quitting his addiction or getting anymore treatment for his cancer. His wife shows solidarity by stating that she will not quit and will stand by him until the end. During the interview the man takes his dope and injects himself and his wife casually. Dunne has no intentions of censoring the action and even moves in for a close-up as the needle pierces the veins.
Another case that could put the viewer off is that of Sam, a man whose wife is pregnant. He shoots up dope during the film and states that while he has tried to quit, he prefers to continue in order not to feel the withdrawal symptoms. His wife admits that even if they run out of money, she would give him the little bit they have so he does not get sick. There is an intimate moment between Sam and his mother during which she insists on bringing him to rehab and Sam breaks down because he knows it is destroying him. It is one of the most honest moments of the film and perfectly exemplifies the nature of the community; while the inhabitants are hurting from their illnesses, they don't have the fortitude to change.
Each case becomes increasingly frightening as the speakers reveal their identities. There is a man who lost his mom, dad and brother to the drug but sells and consumes it. There is also a mother who had everything and in three days lost her husband, child, and car. There are even women who want to quit because of they are in danger of losing their children and a man who is homeless due to his addiction.
Overall the film is unflinching and one that could prove hard for the viewer. However, it gives a moving portrait of a community destroying itself but unable to do anything to find healing and atonement.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
