Drama
United States of America
Drunks is a 1995 independent film directed by Peter Cohn and based on the play "Drunks" by Gary Lennon. The film explores the struggles of a group of recovering alcoholics and their attempts to maintain their sobriety. The story is set in New York City and follows the characters over the course of one night as they attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Jim, the troubled protagonist, is played by Richard Lewis, and his sponsor is played by Faye Dunaway. Alongside these recognizable actors, the ensemble cast includes a mix of theater actors and up-and-coming film actors, including Sam Rockwell, Amanda Plummer, and Parker Posey.
During the course of the meeting, each character shares their experiences with addiction and the path that led them to sobriety. Many of the stories are heart-wrenching, including Joseph's account of nearly causing the death of his child due to his drinking problem. Others, like Louis, bring a touch of humor to the proceedings with their witty observations and cheeky asides.
As the night wears on, Jim's journey takes him through a series of flashbacks to the life he lived before getting sober. He visits the bars and parks where he used to buy drugs, and we see glimpses of the wreckage he left behind. Eventually, Jim finds himself face-to-face with his old drug dealer, and the encounter serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of addiction.
Meanwhile, back at the meeting, the other characters continue to share their stories and lean on each other for support. The film ends on a hopeful note, with the characters acknowledging the ongoing challenges of maintaining sobriety but also the rewards of living a life free of addiction. Drunks is a raw, emotional, and ultimately uplifting exploration of the human struggle with addiction.
