Hope, Respect and Friendship during times of Uncertainty – Working Man holds the Key

May 12, 2020 by Two Sues On the Aisle

Working Man, written and directed by Robert Jury cuts deep and personal, dealing with the uncertainty, of work, relationships, and mental health, providing an unexpected positive twist. The film originally scheduled to open in theaters was released as video-on-demand movie.

Set in a small Rust Belt town, Allery Parkes (Peter Gerety) an insignificant worker refuses to accept his factory closing and continues his routine. He packs lunch and goes to work, walks the same route as his neighbors watch from their porches. Allery is a loner, who keeps a distance from his coworkers working side-by-side without ever exchanging a word. When Walter Brewer (Billy Brown) a neighbor accompanies him to the factory and invites them to dinner. His wife, Iola (Talia Shire) is surprised by Walter’s attention and how Allery perks-up around Walter, discovering more about their host.

Walter rallies the other laid-off factory workers who assemble at Allery’s house united to reopen the factory. At this point, it feels like a story where the workers unite to make the factory successful. But Working Man operates on so many different levels. Walter positions Allery as the leader, and Allery reluctantly grows into the role, meeting with management and negotiating a settlement. Allery, Iola who had withdrawn, Allery into his routine, while Iola puts flowers on the grave, unable to deal with their son’s suicide discover how to live again.

With workers across the country dealing with job loss, Working Man restores hope in a brighter future and the value of each person. In a style that is down-home and comfortable, Robert Jury acquaints us with the simple need for recognition and the comfort of routine. The workers watch the factories one by one until they had nothing left, with a silent acceptance until Walter shakes things. Walter is brash and bold, challenging management’s right to lock the workers out of the factory. Factory workers should not be deprived of the ability to work and contribute. And although his bravado is based on lies about the contracts, he attracts the media attention, making them heroes who will not be pushed aside. Yes, the company prevails, but the workers get a better severance package and restored self-esteem.

The message is especially relevant during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, with lessons about the complexities of recognizing the signs and providing support.

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Our ratings are based on how many challahs it pays to buy (rather than make) in order to see the play, show, film, or exhibit being reviewed. (5 Challah is our highest rating)