June, Adrift

Emma is an aspiring sound designer in LA stuck paying the bills by creating sound effects for pornos. Barkley has secretly dropped out of her Masters program but still pretends to go every morning so her Polish immigrant family doesn’t have to find out she fizzled. And Rachel is the best elementary school teacher in the world but has a completely empty life when she’s not at school. After hearing that Emma’s parents have abandoned her failed boat building project to the trash collectors, the three millennials drive to rural Maryland to rescue and restore both the boat and their pride. As they build, they learn from each other and two colorful locals what may be required to reconcile their dreams with their realities.

Directed by Adrienne Subia, June, Adrift leans on a strong ensemble — Amanda McCann, Christine Hassay, Cassie Ramoska — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2014.