In recognition of Dry January, the 2024 Reel to Real Movie Series at Ridgefield Playhouse will feature the Ron Howard-produced film, Clean And Sober, to explore the struggles of substance abuse and recovery. This film is a deeply personal project for Howard, whose brother, Clint, struggled with Substance Use Disorder for many years.
Michael Keaton plays Daryl Poynter, a slick real estate agent with a cocaine addiction. After waking up next to a woman who has overdosed, he needs to hide from the police. With maxed out credit cards and unable to flee the country, Daryl decides to go to a rehab facility because of its promise of anonymity. There he meets a drug counselor who helps him realize in fact, he’s an addict. The film stars Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker and Morgan Freeman.
After the film, Cheryl Washington will go “Beyond the Story,” with Brian Nash, Director of Intervention at Primary Recovery Services and Alysse Bryson whose website, The Sober Curator, brings together content that celebrates the joys of alcohol-free living. Does Hollywood get it right when making sober films? Join us for this important event and find out.
Reel to Real Movie Series: Spotlighting Real Life on Film
Originally started as the Diversity Film Series in 2021, we explored cultural differences through cinema, born out of the need for connection during the isolation of the pandemic. As we begin our fourth year, and as the world continues to change, we have expanded the range of social issues we spotlight. Now titled the “Reel to Real Movie Series,” The Ridgefield Playhouse hopes our patrons will gain an understanding of the individual experiences that comprise our global community. As always, Award winning entertainment news reporter, Cheryl Washington, will continue to “Go Beyond The Story,” leading meaningful discussions with guests who further explore the themes presented in each film.