Blue Ridge

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 20, 2020

Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Johnathon Schaech as Sheriff Justin Wise
• Sarah Lancaster as Ellie Wise
• Graham Greene as Clifford
• Tonya Bludsworth as Darla
• Taegen Burns as Maddie Wise

Director
Brent Christy

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Warrant (2020)
• A Christmas Love Story (2019) (as a producer)

Producer
Gary Wheeler, Jacob N. Stuart, Jason White

Writer
Michael B. Betz, Caleb G. Brown

Budget
$3 million (estimated)

Production Company
INSP Films, Imagicomm Entertainment

Running Time
87 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild violence
• Some tense situations

Movie Story
“Blue Ridge” is a crime drama set in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, where a newly appointed sheriff, Justin Wise (Johnathon Schaech), takes on his first major case in the quiet, tight-knit community of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Sheriff Wise, a former big-city detective, has moved to this small town with his wife, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster), and daughter, Maddie (Taegen Burns), hoping for a slower pace of life.

However, the tranquility of Blue Ridge is shattered when a prominent local real estate developer is found murdered. The case stirs up old rivalries and hidden secrets in the community, making Sheriff Wise’s job far more complicated than he anticipated. As he digs deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-standing feuds among the townsfolk, many of whom have their own motives for wanting the victim dead.

With the help of his wife, Ellie, who is familiar with the local dynamics, and Clifford (Graham Greene), an experienced and wise deputy, Sheriff Wise must navigate the complexities of small-town politics and personal vendettas to solve the murder. As the pressure mounts, he finds himself facing not only the killer but also the challenges of being an outsider trying to bring justice to a community resistant to change.

“Blue Ridge” combines elements of mystery and drama with the unique setting of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a story that explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the struggles of adjusting to a new life in a small town. The film’s scenic backdrop adds to the atmosphere, creating a contrast between the natural beauty of the mountains and the dark undercurrents of the story.

Special Effects
“Blue Ridge” does not rely heavily on special effects, focusing instead on the story, characters, and the suspenseful atmosphere of the small-town setting. The film’s use of practical effects and realistic action sequences helps maintain the grounded tone of the narrative. The cinematography highlights the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, adding to the film’s visual appeal and enhancing the sense of isolation that plays a key role in the story.

Box Office Performance
“Blue Ridge” had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through streaming platforms and television networks. The film received attention from audiences interested in crime dramas and those drawn to the film’s scenic setting. While it did not achieve significant box office success, it found a niche audience through its digital release.

Filming Locations

• Blue Ridge, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “In a place like this, everyone knows everyone’s business. But not everyone tells the truth.” – Sheriff Justin Wise
• “Secrets have a way of coming out, especially in a town this small.” – Ellie Wise

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Brent Christy aimed to create a film that captures the tension and drama of a murder mystery set in a small-town environment. The choice to film on location in Blue Ridge, Georgia, was essential in providing authenticity to the setting and atmosphere. The cast, led by Johnathon Schaech, worked to bring depth to their characters, portraying the complexities of small-town life and the challenges faced by an outsider trying to solve a crime in a close-knit community. The film’s focus on character-driven storytelling and its exploration of rural dynamics contributed to its appeal among fans of the crime drama genre.

Awards
“Blue Ridge” did not receive major awards but was noted for its strong performances and the effective use of its setting to create tension and drama.

Final Verdict
“Blue Ridge” is a solid crime drama that offers a compelling mystery set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. While it may not break new ground in the genre, the film’s strong performances, particularly by Johnathon Schaech and Sarah Lancaster, and its authentic depiction of small-town life make it an engaging watch. The film’s combination of suspense, character development, and scenic beauty will appeal to fans of crime dramas and those who appreciate stories set in unique locations.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10