The road to recovery is long and starts one step at a time. In writer-director Marcellus Cox’s short film Liquor Bank, Eddie (Antwone Barnes) finds himself alone in his apartment, staring down a bottle of booze, and had no intention of leaving today.
Without warning, there’s a knock at the door. Eddie’s sponsor, Baker (Sean Alexander James), walks through the door holding keys Eddie’s mother had given him. Baker asked Eddie why he missed his one-year sobriety party at their local AA meeting. Eddie says sobriety is too difficult, particularly for an ex-Marine, which adds a unique spin on addiction. He feels it’s time to go another route.
“Eddie…finds himself alone in his apartment, staring down a bottle of booze.”
Like the mission of AA, Liquor Bank exists to say to anyone grappling with addiction that you’re not alone. The road is long, and every setback feels like a massive letdown to his friends, family, and group members.
Lead actors Barnes and James give heartfelt performances as Eddie and Baker. Their portrayals will feel familiar, which is the point…you are not alone. With Liquor Bank, Cox masterfully captures all the action and emotion within the confined spaces of a small apartment.
"…You are not alone."
