Trucker (2008)

James Mottern wrote and directed his first film, Trucker (2008), a surprisingly sharp, street smart, and touching story of young woman who ekes out a living as a truck driver. Still living a life of meaningless one night stands, she must face a son she had eleven years earlier now that the father is dying. The film provides one of the most powerful examples of cinema rooted in reality that I have seen in a long time. It is so real, so grounded, so solid, that it almost occurs as a documentary diving into the real interactions of actual people.

The performances are top of the line with Benjamin Bratt perfect as the dying father and Jimmy Bennett as a very compelling child. Michelle Monaghan won a Best Actress Award from the San Diego Film Critics Society, and the movie won several awards at the Festivals. As a first time director, Mottern's work already surpasses that of most established Hollywood hot shots.