New Movies: Never Any Blue (2023) by Charles Curtice

Never Any Blue (2023) by Charles Curtice: A Celebrity's Desperate Search for Redemption

Never Any Blue, the directorial and starring debut from Charles Curtice, is a poignant and intense drama that delves into the profound depths of grief, guilt, and addiction. The film offers an intimate look at an A-list celebrity's struggle to overcome personal demons in the wake of a tragic loss, all while facing relentless public scrutiny.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16097178/

Link Review: https://take2indiereview.net/2025/04/never-any-blue/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/never-any-blue (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/never-any-blue (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/never-any-blue (UK)

Detailed Summary

The film introduces Byron McCabe (Charles Curtice), a once-beloved A-list celebrity with humble beginnings, who is now a shadow of his former self. Fourteen months after the tragic death of his fiancée in a car accident, Byron is consumed by overwhelming guilt and grief, leading to a severe struggle with alcoholism. His once-thriving career teeters on the brink of oblivion as he descends into a cycle of self-destruction, finding solace only in the bottom of a whiskey bottle.

Amidst his dark spiral, Byron's declining health prompts his medical doctor to recommend a psychologist. Initially resistant, Byron eventually finds himself in therapy with Dr. Miranda Abbot (Kendall Stillman-Riddle), a compassionate yet unconventional professional. Their burgeoning relationship forms the emotional core of the film, as Dr. Abbot attempts to help Byron confront his trauma and the pervasive guilt he feels, suggesting he is undeserving of the pain he inflicts upon himself. The narrative also highlights the invasive nature of celebrity culture, with a relentless journalist, Geoffrey Wright (Austin Gold), constantly hounding Byron, further complicating his path to recovery. Never Any Blue is a slow-burn exploration of trauma, resilience, and the arduous journey towards redemption, set against the backdrop of a man's fight to reclaim his life from the abyss of despair.

Plot Summary

Never Any Blue follows A-list celebrity Byron McCabe as he grapples with severe alcoholism and guilt following the death of his fiancée in a car accident fourteen months prior. His life and career unravel as he succumbs to his grief. A doctor recommends therapy, leading to a complex and challenging relationship with psychologist Dr. Miranda Abbot, who attempts to guide him towards recovery. The film portrays Byron's difficult journey through addiction, the impact of intrusive media, and his slow, painful quest for redemption and healing.

Director's Vision

Charles Curtice, who not only directed and wrote Never Any Blue but also stars as the protagonist, embarked on this film as a deeply personal passion project. His vision was to create an "honest and close to the heart" exploration of grief, addiction, and mental health, driven by a desire to bring awareness to these prevalent issues. Curtice famously self-financed a significant portion of the film's modest $30,000 budget by waiting tables and even selling his own vehicle, a testament to his unwavering commitment. He aimed for a "visually captivating and thematically resonant" slow-burn drama, utilizing the Alexa Mini LF camera to capture the city of Los Angeles with a "larger canvas" and a unique aesthetic. His directorial goal was to craft a poignant and authentic meditation on the human condition, resilience, and the enduring quest for redemption, even in the face of profound celebrity disillusionment.

Themes

• Grief and Loss: The central theme explores the overwhelming and debilitating impact of profound loss, particularly the guilt and despair that can accompany it.

• Alcoholism and Addiction: The film delves into the struggles of addiction as a coping mechanism for trauma and the arduous path to recovery, highlighting its devastating effects on an individual's life and relationships.

• Mental Health and Trauma: Never Any Blue courageously addresses the importance of mental health awareness and the complexities of healing from psychological trauma, emphasizing the role of therapy and human connection in the recovery process.

• Celebrity Disillusionment: The film touches upon the isolation and intrusive scrutiny faced by celebrities, illustrating how fame can exacerbate personal struggles and complicate the journey toward healing.

• Redemption and Resilience: Despite the dark subject matter, a core theme is the possibility of redemption and the human capacity for resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

Key Success Factors

• Charles Curtice's Performance: As both director and lead actor, Curtice delivers a "strong" and "poignant" performance, imbued with an authenticity that resonates deeply with viewers, making Byron's struggle believable and empathetic.

• Authenticity and Raw Emotion: The film's micro-budget origin and personal nature contribute to a raw, unfiltered portrayal of grief and addiction, fostering a sense of realism that can be highly impactful.

• Thematic Relevance: Addressing critical issues like mental health, alcoholism, and grief, the film taps into a widespread societal consciousness, making its themes timely and important.

• Ambitious Cinematography: Despite budget constraints, the use of professional equipment and a focus on evocative lighting and production design contributed to a visually engaging experience, surprising for a film of its scale.

• Testament to Independent Spirit: The film's very existence, driven by Curtice's self-funding and dedication, stands as an inspirational example of independent filmmaking, attracting appreciation for its sheer passion.

Summary Short

Never Any Blue is an independent drama directed by and starring Charles Curtice, depicting an A-list celebrity's harrowing descent into alcoholism and guilt after his fiancée's death, and his arduous journey towards redemption through therapy and facing the public eye.

Critics Reception

Critical reception for Never Any Blue has been generally positive, particularly in acknowledging its ambition and the quality of its execution given its independent nature.

• Screen Critix: Praised the film as a "poignant exploration of trauma, resilience, and the enduring quest for redemption," highlighting Charles Curtice's "strong" and authentic portrayal of Byron McCabe. It commended the film's cinematography, production design, and evocative lighting, calling it a "well-made, slow-burn drama" and a "testament to the indomitable spirit of independent cinema."

• Take 2 Indie Review: Described Byron McCabe's life as a "train wreck hit by a train," commending Curtice's performance for effectively conveying his "broken soul" and "all-encompassing pain." The review also noted the "unconventional" yet "real" dynamic of the relationship between Byron and his psychologist, and the impactful portrayal of the "unscrupulous" journalist.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics commend Never Any Blue as a compelling independent drama, particularly praising Charles Curtice's raw and authentic performance in depicting a celebrity's battle with grief and addiction. The film is recognized for its poignant exploration of complex mental health themes and its surprisingly strong production values, considering its modest budget. Its deliberate, slow-burn pacing is noted as a defining characteristic.

Reviews

Reviews, particularly from those who have accessed the film through limited screenings or independent channels, tend to echo the critical appreciation for its emotional depth and Curtice's central performance. Viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas focused on psychological struggles find the film compelling and well-executed for its genre. Its independent nature might also appeal to those looking for cinema outside mainstream releases.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews indicate that Never Any Blue is a well-received independent drama that resonates with viewers who appreciate films that tackle heavy themes like grief, addiction, and mental health with sincerity and a strong central performance.

Box Office

As a micro-budget independent film with an estimated budget of $30,000 (partially crowd-funded, raising $8,650 on Indiegogo), Never Any Blue did not have a wide theatrical release, and thus, no significant box office figures have been reported.

Production

Never Any Blue is a highly independent film, written, directed, and starring Charles Curtice. Curtice's profound dedication to the project is highlighted by his self-financing efforts, which included working as a waiter and selling his own car to raise funds for the film's estimated $30,000 budget. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, utilizing an Alexa Mini LF camera to achieve a high visual quality and a "large format sensor" look, despite its low budget.

Production Companies: Easy Day Productions (US)

Theatrical Release

Never Any Blue had its premiere in Los Angeles, United States, on June 24, 2023.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Powerful Character Study: For audiences who appreciate intense, character-driven dramas that delve deep into the psychological struggles of an individual, led by a committed performance.

• Focus on Mental Health: If you seek films that address important and often challenging themes of grief, addiction, and the journey of mental health recovery with sincerity and depth.

• Inspiring Independent Filmmaking: For those who enjoy supporting true independent cinema, made with passion and ingenuity against significant financial odds.

• Reflective Slow-Burn Drama: If you prefer films with a deliberate pace that allow themes and emotions to unfold gradually, offering a contemplative viewing experience.

Why to Watch Movie

• Witness a Passion Project: To experience a film born from a single filmmaker's unwavering dedication and personal investment, both creatively and financially.

• Engage with Relevant Themes: To reflect on universal human experiences of loss, the struggle with inner demons, and the path toward healing and redemption.

• Appreciate Resourceful Storytelling: To see how a compelling and visually engaging narrative can be crafted on a micro-budget, demonstrating the power of vision over vast resources.

• Explore the Darker Side of Celebrity: To gain insight into the often-hidden struggles faced by public figures and the unique pressures that can exacerbate personal crises.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

The film is following the trend of "Personal Indie Dramas with a Focus on Mental Health and Trauma," often created on a micro-budget by passionate filmmakers who double as writers/directors/stars. This trend emphasizes raw, authentic portrayals of human struggle and a more intimate, character-centric approach to storytelling, often finding distribution through festivals and niche digital platforms.

What Big Social Trend is Following

Never Any Blue aligns with the big social trend of "Increasing Openness and Awareness of Mental Health and Addiction Issues." The film contributes to the ongoing societal conversation about the importance of addressing grief, trauma, and substance abuse, particularly highlighting that such struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their public persona or success. It reflects a growing societal willingness to discuss and seek help for mental health challenges.

Final Verdict

Never Any Blue is a commendable and affecting independent drama that stands as a testament to the power of passion in filmmaking. Charles Curtice, through his multi-faceted involvement, delivers a raw and authentic portrayal of a man consumed by grief and addiction, crafting a film that is both intimate and impactful. While its micro-budget nature and slow pace might not appeal to all, its profound insights into mental health and the human quest for redemption make it a significant and heartfelt contribution to independent cinema. It's a powerful reminder that even on the smallest scale, compelling stories can resonate deeply and provoke meaningful reflection.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Champion Your Vision Relentlessly: If you have a deeply personal story to tell, be prepared to invest fully—creatively, emotionally, and sometimes financially—to bring it to fruition, as Charles Curtice did.

• Prioritize Authentic Performances: For character-driven dramas, focus on eliciting raw and truthful performances that can carry the weight of the narrative, even with limited external production values.

• Maximize Visuals with Limited Resources: Innovative cinematography, thoughtful lighting, and strategic location choices can significantly elevate the production quality of a micro-budget film.

• Embrace the "Slow Burn" for Emotional Depth: A deliberate pace can allow complex emotions and themes to unfold organically, providing a more immersive and contemplative experience for the audience.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Foster Micro-Budget Talent: Actively seek out and support filmmakers who demonstrate remarkable talent and resourcefulness on limited budgets, as these artists often bring fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling.

• Recognize the Social Value of Film: Invest in and promote films that courageously tackle challenging but socially relevant themes like mental health and addiction, contributing to public awareness and empathy.

• Diversify Distribution Avenues: Ensure that smaller, independent films have clear pathways to reach audiences, whether through specialized streaming platforms, curated festival circuits, or innovative digital release strategies.

• Highlight the Human Element in Storytelling: Encourage narratives that prioritize deep character studies and emotional journeys over purely commercial considerations, acknowledging their artistic and social significance.

Final Conclusions

Never Any Blue is a poignant and remarkable achievement in independent filmmaking. Charles Curtice's deeply personal and financially self-sacrificing endeavor has resulted in a powerful drama that bravely explores the harrowing realities of grief, addiction, and the taxing journey to recovery. Its authenticity and the raw, compelling performance from Curtice himself make it a resonant and important film. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of indie cinema and its capacity to deliver impactful, emotionally rich narratives that contribute meaningfully to contemporary societal conversations about mental health and the human capacity for resilience.