All Roads Lead is a drama film that was first released in 2013. It stars Yolonda Ross, Nick Sandow, and David Yow, among others. The film is set in the city of New Orleans, and it follows three different characters over the course of a single day. The first character we meet is a young woman named Esther (played by Yolonda Ross). Esther works as a housekeeper for a wealthy couple, and she is struggling to make ends meet. She is also dealing with a difficult personal situation, as she has recently learned she is pregnant and is unsure whether or not she wants to keep the baby.
The second character we meet is Bob (played by Nick Sandow). Bob is a small-time criminal who has just been released from prison after serving a sentence for robbery. He is determined to get his life back on track and start over, but he quickly finds himself drawn back into a life of crime.
The third character we meet is Willy (played by David Yow). Willy is a homeless man who struggles with addiction and has been living on the streets for years. He spends most of his time panhandling and trying to find a way to get his next fix, but he also has a kind heart and tries to help those around him when he can.
As the day progresses, the paths of these three characters begin to intertwine in unexpected ways. Esther and Bob cross paths when Bob breaks into the house where Esther works, and the two begin to form a tentative connection. Meanwhile, Willy finds himself caught up in the middle of a violent altercation that involves both Esther and Bob, and he is forced to make some difficult choices in order to stay alive.
All Roads Lead is a beautifully shot film that captures the vibrant energy of New Orleans. The film's director, Isaiah Medina, uses a mixture of handheld camera work and long, static shots to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. This allows the audience to feel like they are right there with the characters as they navigate the gritty streets of the city.
The film also features strong performances from its three leads. Yolonda Ross is particularly impressive as Esther, bringing a sense of vulnerability and strength to the character that makes her instantly likable. Nick Sandow is also great as Bob, bringing a surprising amount of nuance to what could have been a one-note character. David Yow is equally impressive as Willy, bringing a sense of empathy to a character that could have been written off as just another addict.
One of the strengths of All Roads Lead is its willingness to tackle difficult subject matter head-on. The film deals with issues like poverty, addiction, and violence in a way that is honest and unflinching. At the same time, the film also finds moments of beauty and humanity in the midst of all this darkness, reminding us that even in the toughest of circumstances, there is always hope.
Overall, All Roads Lead is a powerful and engaging film that is well worth watching. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find moments of connection and kindness that make life worth living.