Watch American Folk

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, two strangers find themselves unexpectedly thrown together on a cross-country road trip. Starring real-life folk musicians Joe Purdy and Amber Rubarth, American Folk is an understated and poignant look at how music can bring people together in times of turmoil. The movie opens with Joni (Rubarth) and Elliot (Purdy) meeting at an airport in Los Angeles. They're both trying to get to New York City, but their flight has been canceled due to the aftermath of the attacks. Joni suggests they rent a car and drive across the country together, and Elliot reluctantly agrees.

The journey takes them through some of the most stunning and remote parts of America, including the deserts of Arizona and the mountains of Colorado. Along the way, their bond deepens as they share stories about their lives and sing old folk songs together.

Despite the backdrop of tragedy and uncertainty, American Folk is a quietly hopeful movie. Joni and Elliot encounter people from all walks of life on their journey, including a friendly truck driver, a family struggling to survive in post-9/11 America, and a group of musicians who invite them to play a gig in a small town bar.

One of the most powerful moments in the movie comes when Joni and Elliot stop by a roadside memorial for the victims of the attacks. They meet a grieving mother who lost her son in the Twin Towers, and they sing a song together in honor of him. It's a simple but heart-wrenching scene that captures the healing power of music.

American Folk doesn't shy away from the political and social issues of its time, but it never becomes heavy-handed or preachy. Instead, it's a gentle reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find hope and connection through art and human connection.

The performances by Purdy and Rubarth are understated and naturalistic, and their original songs provide a beautiful and haunting soundtrack to the film. Krisha Fairchild also has a memorable supporting role as the owner of a hostel where Joni and Elliot stay for a few nights.

One of the unique aspects of American Folk is that it was shot entirely guerilla-style, with no permits or permission to film in various locations. Director David Heinz and his small crew captured the stunning vistas of the American West and East Coast with a sense of intimacy and authenticity that is rare in contemporary cinema.

Overall, American Folk is a quiet gem of a movie that celebrates the power of music and human connection. It's a fitting tribute to the resilience and spirit of America in the aftermath of a national tragedy.

American Folk is a 2018 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 62.