Directed by Chad Bishoff, the film is co-written with Sam Harter.
Easton (Christopher Backus) is married to Sakura (Skye P. Marshall), and they have one young daughter. They have successful careers and a lifestyle with a nice home. Things change, and the struggles of balancing time on developing a business and spending time with family surface increasingly.
The story of those changes and challenges is not told linearly. Thus, there are flashbacks. The audience learns that Easton (Christopher Backus) struggles with his mental health. There is a major change in the household, which is not fully disclosed at the film’s beginning. Easton is not seeking the full range of medical help and prefers to self-medicate. His friends (maybe relatives or co-workers) offer to help him as they see the difference in his personality. This approach does not help his depression. He has dreams, leading him deeper down the path to destruction, beginning to believe that he has a role to play in the wife/daughter no longer residing with him.
Through the flashbacks and dreams, the gravity of the life-changing events begins to surface, further impacting Easton’s feelings. His friend and therapist, Brad (Ka’ramuu Kush) goes to Easton’s house to check on him. His attempts are not always successful, as Easton stays to himself, avoiding advice or changing things to be able to move on. James (Paul Costanzo) is Easton’s work partner and invites Easton to wine or dine after work. He rejects the offers for weeks.
Daft State has excellent performances. Christopher Backus is superb as a man in crisis, having severe mental health issues, and gives a credible performance. Backus and Marshall have good chemistry as a young married couple. Backus also performs some great scenes as a loving father. They seemed to have a solid bond, and Easton shows us how the connection remains intact even if one or the other is no longer there.
Jake T. Austin (“Wizards of Waverly Place” and “The Fosters” TV series) acts as Josh. His scenes are limited, but effective and impressive.
Unrated, Runtime: 1 hour 23 minutes, Available digitally/on-demand now.
Source: Distributor: Scatena & Rosner Films