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 sweet reminder of finding community in the journey to one’s self-discovery. Ashley Judd finds her breakout role as the title character in this coming-of-age drama following Ruby Lee Gissing, a retail-clerk who often finds herself down on her luck while trying to start a new life for herself in Panama City, Florida. Ruby’s presence is often dictated by her male counterparts, who tend to question her judgement and romanticize a partnership as her only way out of her small-town past. Rather than succumbing to the ending of a stereotypical romance genre, Ruby is encouraged by the women she meets in her community to find gratitude in her new blue-collar lifestyle, and even come to her rescue several times when she is stuck in a rut. Director Victor Nunez tactfully allows the film to be discreetly propelled by likeable female characters, defined by a strong mentality and the sacrifices they make, despite the male-driven society that Ruby cannot seem to escape from. Without pushing too hard in the dynamic of gender identity, Nunez has created a tender ode to the strength in sisterhood that comes with finding one’s freedom.

The 1993 Sundance Grand Jury Prize Prize winner Ruby In Paradise stars Ashley Judd as a young woman making her way in the world, and doing it her way. This young woman, Ruby Lee Gissing, is an incredibly real character. Writer and director Victor Nunez wrote Ruby authentically, showing her thought process as she makes decisions and weighs herself in a world that is increasingly valuing people and things for exterior beauty, rather than their capabilities. Her character is one most people can relate to, as she does not make cut and dry decisions, rather she explores her opportunities in her independence and grows from each one of them. The film revolves around a city that is incredibly materialistic, and characters like Ricky, the story’s “bad boy”, are caught off guard by this woman who differs from the skin-deep beauty he is used to. The themes in this film are as prevalent today as they were when the film initially released. Ruby In Paradise is a story that is sure to inspire, and I highly recommend it.

It is clear why Ruby In Paradise remains a powerful Coming Of Age film, as it shies away from the party scene, and dives into the identity crisis which young adults face at some point in their lives. Writer/Director Victor Nunez took me on a journey which follows Ruby Lee Gissing, portrayed by talented actress Ashley Judd, to the small, quiet town of Panama City Beach, Florida. In this captivating film, Ruby is running away from her past, chasing her own identity and independence. Ashley Judd delivers a powerful performance, as she shows audiences the true struggles that those looking to re-define their lives may face, as Ruby has to deal with men in her life who don’t see her aspirations for success, while making a living at a souvenir store and creating an independent life for herself. She does this by taking advantage of various opportunities, while attempting to surround herself with people who support her, rather than those who look down on the tribulations she faces.This powerful film truly highlights the universal themes of independence and self-identity, and I definitely recommend taking a look!