Ruby in Paradise

2021 • 114 minutes

About this movie

Reeling from her mother's recent death, Ruby Lee Gissing (Ashley Judd) relocates to Florida to start anew. After finding a job at a souvenir store, Ruby becomes friends with the shop's owner, Mildred Chambers (Dorothy Lyman), and slowly acclimates to her new surroundings. Before long, she's juggling the affections of Mildred's Lothario son, Ricky (Bentley Mitchum), and the good-natured Mike (Todd Field). As she wavers between Ricky and Mike, Ruby also tries to come to terms with her past

Ratings and reviews

Ruby in Paradise is a movie that has its own unique identity, style, and values. Its down-to-earth tone, relaxed pace, and realistic illustration of a woman trying to find herself make it stand out amongst a sea of cliched drama flicks. Ruby in Paradise is a movie that speaks to the viewer, regardless of gender, age, or race, and it does so in a tasteful and stylish fashion.

Ruby in Paradise serves as a fine example of the triumphs and tribulations that young adults face as they find their way into the world. Written and Directed by Victor Nuñez, Ruby in Paradise tells the story of Ruby Lee Gissing (played by Ashley Judd) as she tries to take control of her life and make her way into the world on a beach town in Florida after fleeing from her dead-end life in Tennessee. This movie successfully immerses the audience into Ruby’s coming of age story as the story is led along with introspective narrative monologues, giving insight and depth to the determined character as she struggles to find her place in the world. Though some may think that a slice of life drama is boring or mundane, Ruby in Paradise has real qualities and shows the beauty, excitement, and charm of everyday life through Ruby as she discovers her self-worth and happiness.

Ruby in Paradise portrays not only story of growth, by a story of the human desire to find a purpose in life. We are introduced to Ruby (Ashley Judd) as self-sufficient young woman who lacks family and friends, forcing her to build a new circle of connections. Writer and Director Victor Nunez constructed a phenomenal understanding of the concepts of real womanhood, staying true to yourself and not limiting your abilities. Its simplicity and organic essence grant the film the opportunity to precisely and effectively emulate Ruby understanding that purpose is not bound to be something others confine you to, rather it is a goal she’s determined to gain herself. Its unique pace of moving slowly through events lets the audience understand ruby and her relationships on a private level. I really enjoyed this film.