JUNKIE Discovery

World Premiere

Executive-produced by AFI Conservatory Alumna Patty Jenkins (AFI Class of 2000), JUNKIE is the spirited debut feature from AFI Conservatory Alum William Means (AFI Class of 2021). With this eccentric exploration of America’s southern underbelly, Means may just be the South’s answer to the Safdie brothers. Portrayed by real-life recovered addict Rocky Shay, perpetual screwup Stevie is running on empty having just escaped from rehab (again). On a quest to repay her debts and reconcile with her estranged, openly gay son Liam before skipping town for good, Stevie winds up in a slew of high-risk predicaments over the course of a few frenzied days. Shay’s innate comedic ability as the bonkers yet endearing Stevie is certainly a breakout performance — one rooted in her actual experiences and personal journals shared with Means, who was doubly inspired by his own family struggles and closeted childhood. With its erratic physical comedy and candid depiction of the damage caused by addiction, JUNKIE is a gripping odyssey through rural America that strikes a surprising balance between being gritty and heartfelt, hilarious and tragic. –Julia Kipnis