Quick Take: Expanded from an acclaimed short, Deb Shoval’s AWOL is a grounded, bittersweet depiction of small-town hopelessness, working-class struggle, and a passionate, complicated lesbian romance.
📌 Plot Overview
In a rusting, economically depressed town in rural Pennsylvania, Joey, a recent high school graduate, searches aimlessly for a future. Lacking career prospects and facing limited options, she considers joining the U.S. Army as her ticket out.
Her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Rayna, a magnetic older woman who is married with two children. A secret, intense affair quickly ignites between them. As Joey’s shipping-out date approaches, the reality of military service collides with her desperate desire to build a life with Rayna, forcing her to choose between duty, escape, and a love that threatens to derail her future.
💡 Why It’s Worth Watching
Outstanding Lead Performances: Lola Kirke (Mozart in the Jungle) delivers a raw, vulnerable performance as Joey, paired with Breeda Wool (UnREAL), who shines as the captivating, conflicted Rayna.
Authentic Rust Belt Realism: Director Deb Shoval treats the working-class setting with unvarnished honesty, highlighting how economic stagnation often dictates personal choices.
Complex, Imperfect Romance: Rather than romanticizing the affair, AWOL captures the messy, heartbreaking friction between fantasy and reality in queer relationships.
🏷️ Interactive Tags & Motifs
Genre: Drama / Romance / Indie / Coming-of-Age
Representation & Themes: Lesbian Romance, Working-Class Queer Life, Rural Struggles, Escape vs. Duty, Age-Gap Relationship
Mood & Tone: Grounded, Melancholy, Passionate, Realistic, Bittersweet
Content Warnings: Extramarital affair, military themes, economic distress, sexual content
⭐️ Verdict & Final Thoughts
AWOL is a quiet, powerful character study that feels deeply real. With exceptional chemistry between Lola Kirke and Breeda Wool, the film offers a rare, empathetic look at queer desire blooming in forgotten American towns. Essential viewing for fans of grounded indie cinema and authentic romantic dramas.
📺 Where to Watch
Streaming & VOD: Available to stream on Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Kanopy (regional variations apply).
VOD Rentals: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV.
