Leaving Barstow (2008) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Andrew navigates uncertain prospects, tension at home, and a fragile romance while the people around him confront their own disappointments.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Future in Barstow

Andrew worries about college and feels stuck in Barstow. His work and thoughts about City College sit alongside Sandra's concern that he is settling for less than he could achieve.

Key Events

• Andrew Worries About College — Andrew faces an uncertain future and worries about whether he will get into college. Characters: Andrew Location: Barstow
• Physics Lesson on Inertia — A physics lesson about inertia prompts reflection on Andrew's feeling of being stuck. Characters: Andrew Location: School
• Talk of Being Overlooked — Andrew and a friend discuss whether overlooked people can still become successful. Characters: Andrew Location: Barstow
• Considering City College — Andrew considers taking classes at City College rather than leaving town for a four-year college. Characters: Andrew Location: Barstow
• Stocking Shelves — Andrew works stocking shelves as he weighs his uncertain prospects. Characters: Andrew Location: Workplace
• Sandra Worries About Andrew — Sandra worries that Andrew is settling for less than he could achieve. Characters: Sandra, Andrew Location: Home

Cody Enters the Household

Sandra begins seeing Cody, but Andrew distrusts him and objects to his place in their home. Cody tries to make peace, and Andrew later listens to him describe stalled ambitions.

Key Events

• Sandra Worries About Andrew — Sandra worries that Andrew is settling for less than he could achieve. Characters: Sandra, Andrew Location: Home
• Sandra Begins Seeing Cody — Sandra begins a relationship with Cody while feeling lonely and wanting to be happy. Characters: Sandra, Cody Location: Barstow
• Andrew Distrusts Cody — Andrew distrusts Cody and resents his relationship with Sandra. Characters: Andrew, Cody Location: Home
• Cody Offers Basketball — Cody tries to make peace with Andrew and suggests playing basketball together. Characters: Andrew, Cody Location: Home
• Andrew Resents Cody's Place — Andrew is uncomfortable with Cody having a place in their home, creating tension with Sandra. Characters: Andrew, Sandra, Cody Location: Home
• Cody's Stalled Ambitions — Cody's radio show attracts few listeners as he reflects on ambitions that stalled in Barstow. Characters: Cody Location: Barstow
• Andrew Gives Cody a Ride — Andrew gives Cody a ride and listens to him talk about hoping to build a life in Los Angeles. Characters: Andrew, Cody Location: Barstow

A Romance Takes Shape

Andrew and Jenny move from awkward exchanges toward a romantic connection. Andrew remains reluctant to explain his home situation, while tension with Sandra over Cody continues.

Key Events

• Andrew Gives Cody a Ride — Andrew gives Cody a ride and listens to him talk about hoping to build a life in Los Angeles. Characters: Andrew, Cody Location: Barstow
• Andrew Meets Jenny — Andrew and Jenny begin with awkward exchanges at the restaurant where Jenny works. Characters: Andrew, Jenny Location: Restaurant
• Jenny Encourages Andrew — Jenny encourages Andrew to talk, and their connection grows. Characters: Andrew, Jenny Location: Restaurant
• Andrew Withholds Home Troubles — Andrew is reluctant to explain the situation at home to Jenny. Characters: Andrew, Jenny Location: Restaurant
• Dinner Invitation Rejected — Sandra asks Andrew to join dinner with her and Cody, but Andrew remains hostile. Characters: Sandra, Andrew, Cody Location: Home
• Andrew and Jenny Spend the Night — Andrew and Jenny spend the night together, bringing their relationship into the home situation. Characters: Andrew, Jenny Location: Home

The Morning After

After Andrew and Jenny spend the night together, Sandra discovers them at breakfast and recognizes Jenny as her coworker. Andrew's apology does not resolve Jenny's anger about his secrecy, and she refuses to see him again.

Key Events

• Andrew and Jenny Spend the Night — Andrew and Jenny spend the night together, bringing their relationship into the home situation. Characters: Andrew, Jenny Location: Home
• Sandra Discovers Them — At breakfast, Sandra discovers Andrew with Jenny and recognizes her as her coworker. Characters: Sandra, Andrew, Jenny Location: Home
• Jenny Confronts Andrew's Secrecy — Andrew apologizes for not telling Jenny about his mother, but Jenny says she cannot be dismissed with flowers or a phone call. Characters: Andrew, Jenny Location: Home
• Jenny Refuses to Reconnect — Andrew asks to see Jenny again, but she refuses and leaves their relationship unresolved. Characters: Andrew, Jenny Location: Home

Story Breakdown

• Andrew's Uncertain Future — Andrew questions his prospects and considers whether to pursue education close to home.
  • College Worries — Andrew is unsure whether he will get into college.
  • City College Option — He considers local classes rather than leaving for a four-year college.
• Feeling Stuck — School and work reinforce Andrew's uncertainty about his direction.
  • Physics Inertia — A lesson about inertia reflects Andrew's feeling of being stuck.
  • Shelf Stocking — Andrew works stocking shelves while considering his future.
• Sandra's Concerns — Sandra wants Andrew to aim higher while seeking happiness in her own life.
  • Andrew's Potential — Sandra worries that he is settling for less than he could achieve.
  • Loneliness and Hope — Sandra says she feels lonely and wants a chance to be happy.
• Cody's Arrival — Cody's relationship with Sandra unsettles Andrew and changes the atmosphere at home.
  • Andrew's Distrust — Andrew resents Cody's relationship with Sandra and his place in their home.
  • Attempted Reconciliation — Cody tries to make peace and suggests playing basketball with Andrew.
• Cody's Disappointment — Cody's limited radio audience and memories of ambition reveal his own disappointment.
  • Quiet Radio Show — Cody's show attracts few listeners.
  • Los Angeles Dream — During a ride, Cody tells Andrew he once hoped to make a life in Los Angeles.
• Andrew and Jenny — Awkward encounters develop into a romantic connection, though Andrew does not explain his family situation.
  • Restaurant Encounters — Andrew and Jenny begin with awkward exchanges where she works.
  • Growing Connection — Jenny encourages Andrew to talk, and their relationship develops.
• Strain at Home — Andrew's resistance to Cody keeps tension between him and Sandra alive.
  • Cody in the Home — Andrew is uncomfortable with Cody having a place in their home.
  • Dinner Invitation — Sandra asks Andrew to join her and Cody for dinner, but he remains hostile.
• A Romance Unraveled — A discovery at breakfast exposes Andrew's secrecy and leaves his relationship with Jenny unresolved.
  • Breakfast Discovery — Sandra discovers Andrew and Jenny together and recognizes Jenny as her coworker.
  • Jenny's Refusal — Jenny objects to Andrew's secrecy and refuses his request to see her again.

Directed by

Peter Paige

Key Cast

• Michelle Clunie — Sandra
• Kevin Sheridan — Andrew
• Ryan Michelle Bathe — Jenny
• Ryan Carnes — Cody
• Dale Dickey — Linda