I’m so excited to announce that my feature-length documentary, “Recovery Boys,” premieres today on Netflix and in theaters 6/29-7/5 in NYC (Metrograph) and LA (Laemmle Music Hall).
When we started making this film in 2016, we were interested in better understanding the process of recovery through the experiences of four men at a farming-based rehab in Aurora, W.Va. These incredible men opened their lives to us and for that we’re eternally grateful. It is their raw honesty and vulnerability that we know can make positive change in our society.
We hope that you'll watch the film, share with friends and family, and consider hosting a community screening to increase conversation around the country about the opioid crisis.
Visit our website to request a screening and download our educational guide.
We would love to hear your thoughts after watching - get in touch!
Elaine
REVIEWS AND ARTICLES
“Unearths moments of raw revelation that quietly highlight our shameful lack of effective help…A moving yet cautionary tale and a painful reminder that recovery is a journey that never really ends.”
“Intimate, poignant, and raw, establishing Sheldon as one of the most vital documentary filmmakers at the moment, especially on the often misunderstood subject of addiction. The social impact of a film like this shouldn’t be understated. Recovery Boys is a film with the power to break down potentially judgmental barriers that can stop someone’s chances to clean up their lives dead in their tracks.”
“Set in the middle of this crisis, the film provides an exploration of male emotions will be refreshing to anyone who has grown accustomed to staid representations within popular culture, as will the film’s focus on people in recovery instead of people suffering from addiction.”
“A sober and unflinching glimpse into the heart of America’s opioid epidemic”
“Sensitive and life-affirming”
“At times, ‘Recovery Boys’ is difficult to watch, both in its depiction of drug abuse and in the painful events that occur in the men’s lives. The goal of the film is clearly not to bring audiences down, though, but increase compassion for those who struggle with addiction. Life has not been easy for any of the ‘recovery boys,’ but they approach their 18 months in rehab with so much integrity and determination that it’s impossible to not cheer for them while watching the film.”
“The immediate social impression of Recovery Boys is tremendous.”
“There’s a tendency in politics to turn real misery into platitudes and abstractions; Elaine McMillion Sheldon’s documentary is the antidote.”
CREDITS
A Netflix Original Documentary
DIRECTOR:
Elaine McMillion Sheldon
PRODUCERS:
Kerrin Sheldon
Kristi Jacobson
Elaine McMillion Sheldon
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
Jason Spingarn-Koff
Zana Lawrence
Lisa Nishimura
EDITOR:
Penelope Falk
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY:
Kerrin Sheldon
COMPOSER:
Daniel Hart
CINEMATOGRAPHERS:
Kerrin Sheldon
Elaine McMillion Sheldon
ADDITIONAL CAMERA:
Daniel Kusnir
Gregory D. Neiser
SOUND RECORDISTS:
Elaine McMillion Sheldon
Kerrin Sheldon
FIELD RECORDIST:
Billy Wirasnik
POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR:
Jean Lane
ASSISTANT EDITORS:
John Fisher
Laura Karpas
ONLINE ASSISTANT EDITOR:
Frances Boone
ADDITIONAL EDITORS:
Elaine McMillion Sheldon
Kerrin Sheldon
MUSIC SUPERVISOR:
Doug Bernheim
SOUND DESIGNER and RE-RECORDING MIXER:
Tom Paul (Gigantic Studios)
SOUND EDITOR:
Kevin Peters (Gigantic Studios)
SOUND ASSISTANT:
Nathan Hasz (Gigantic Studios)
COLORIST:
Seth Ricart (RCO)
COLOR ASSISTANTS:
Bo Kim (RCO)
Natasha Wong (RCO)
COLOR PRODUCER:
Sheina Dao (RCO)
TITLE DESIGNER:
Chris Rubino
WITH SUPPORT FROM:
Threshold Foundation
Chicken & Egg Pictures
Chicago Media Project’s Impact Grant Fund
Documentary Educational Resources
Southern Documentary Fund
Points North Documentary Institute
Good Pitch
IFP
All Y'all Southern Documentary Collective