I'm pretty sure that writer/director Glenn Garrabrant had no idea that I'd spent nine years working in crisis intervention when he dropped a link to his latest film, the Indie Rights release Local Area Network, in my e-mail. 

So, it was with both anticipation and a little bit of anxiety that I approached this low-budget indie that centers around Paul (Michael Farca), whose divorce from Erica (Molly Hodge) led to a serious mental health crisis and multiple suicide attempts. He's improving now, his inpatient treatment now dotted with supervised visits home whose BFF Sam (Jeff A. Smith) is relentlessly supportive even as his own life takes on increasing responsibility with a wife and baby on the way. 

Local Area Network reminded me an awful lot of an old Jon Cryer flick I adore, 1998's Went to Coney Island on a Mission From God ... Be Back by Five, an underrated indie gem I'll continue to say is sorely unappreciated nearly thirty years after its debut. 

The same is true here. Local Area Network is the kind of indie flick that you almost never seen in the multiplexes. That's as much because Garrabrant refuses to sell the drama as it is audiences simply don't give themselves to this kind of quality storytelling. 

Damn shame. 

Garrabrant does, indeed, serve up a quieter, and I'd say more accurate, tone for Local Area Network. The title refers to a gathering of sorts with Paul during his day away from the facility where he continues to receive treatment. We meet old friends, lives still intertwined though perhaps more loosely, including Therese (Katherine Bellantone), owner of a comic book store now, and George (Charlie Bain), who is facing his own challenges these days. 

Local Area Network isn't a perfect film, though it's an absolute winner. Garrabrant has snagged himself a mighty fine ensemble cast ably led by Farca's Paul. Farca does a terrific job of reminding us why Sam is so fiercely devoted to him and why people adore him amidst his challenges. While Paul has done some honest healing, he continues to struggle with his ex-wife's perceived betrayal and rages against the man who's replaced him. In other moments, however, Farca touchingly captures Paul's remarkable vulnerability. 

Local Area Network isn't a Hallmark greeting card motion picture. Paul has his quirks and foibles and he's certainly no saint. Likewise, Sam's relentless devotion has its limitations and Jeff A. Smith does a tremendous job capturing a world where devotion, friendship, and boundaries all intermingle. Charlie Bain paints a compelling portrait of George, definitely not the center of the film yet essential to this storytelling. Likewise, I was quite captivated by Katherine Bellantone's Therese. Truthfully, there's not really a weak link in this cast. 

Local Area Network is the kind of indie motion picture that deserves an audience. With his second feature, Garrabrant serves up a thoughtful, emotionally honest and satisfying motion picture brought vividly to life by a strong ensemble. Alex Brinkley's original score for the film serves up emotional rhythms for the film, and lensing from D.P. William D. Bridgforth and co-cinematographer Edward Dignan wisely opts for observation over intrusion or histrionics. 

You can buy or rent Local Area Network for yourself on Amazon Prime and I recommend you do. You'll be rewarded with a realistically life-affirming film that honestly captures mental health, friendship, and the importance of showing up. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic