“CASH FOR GOLD”
Directors: Robert Enriquez and Deborah Puette

Deborah Puette writes, co-directs, and stars in this drama about a woman named Grace who is struggling with both her bills and sobriety.  A chance random act of kindness from a pawn shop owner named Hasan (Farshad Farahat) lands Grace a job at the shop and an unlikely friendship with Hasan.  However, her new job and her new friend will test both of them in ways they could not expect, with Grace’s former life as a drinker attempting to reassert itself.  While the themes of prejudice and jealousy can be a bit obvious at points, Puette and Farahat’s chemistry feels true, especially as it resists cliched romantic overtures.  A strong supporting cast backs up the main players, including Marcelo Tubert as Farahat’s father, Mohammad, and JoBeth Williams as Boots.  A solid effort from Puette, who wears many hats in this inspirational drama.

(I recently spoke with Puette and producer Ahmos Hassan; an interview feature is forthcoming).

Available digitally on February 4

“SUNRAY: FALLEN SOLDIER”
Directors: James Clarke and Daniel Shepherd

Veterans may justly feel that movies fail to depict them accurately, but this tense thriller was created by members of the British Royal Marines Commandos, lending the film a palpable verisimilitude while it weaves a rather tense (if not super original) yarn about one man’s quest for revenge.  Tip Cullen stars as Andy, who calls upon his former brothers-in-arms to bring justice to the network of drug pushers whose products killed his daughter.  Severe violence and mayhem ensue.

“Sunray” trods familiar ground, but the ability of real-life soldiers to tell a fictional tale should indeed be celebrated.

Available January 25 on digital platforms

(featured image is from “CASH FOR GOLD”)