An Emotional Journey of Small Moments: A Review of 'All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt' by Raven Jackson

Article Summary

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is a stunning feature debut that explores the enduring legacies we leave behind through the poetic refractions of life's memories.

The film captivates viewers with its unique cinematic language, immersing them in a mesmerizing combination of immersive audio, stunning visuals, and deliberate pacing.

The cast delivers powerful performances, with Sheila Atim, Charleen McClure, and Moses Ingram skillfully portraying complex and emotionally resonant characters in this intricately crafted depiction.

Initially part of our coverage for the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, this review contemplates what we will hold onto when we reach the end of our lives. In a world filled with both joy and pain, the profound impact of certain moments remains unknown. While significant events like the loss of a loved one or the birth of a child certainly play a role, it is often the combination of many small moments that truly shape our lives. Raven Jackson's mesmerizing debut film, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, not only stands out as one of the standout films of this year's Sundance Film Festival but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of life's echoes. Through poetic refractions, the film highlights how, even after everything else has faded, it is the rhythm and rhyme of our memories that leave a lasting impact on those who loved us.

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is a haunting and richly layered portrait that spans decades and explores the life of a woman in Mississippi. It is the feature debut of Raven Jackson, an award-winning poet, photographer, and filmmaker. This lyrical film is a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us, capturing the essence of Mississippi's cultural heritage. The imagery and storytelling in All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt make it a truly immersive and captivating experience. With its unique perspective and attention to detail, this film offers a profound exploration of the complexities of life and the enduring connections we have to our past.

Release Date: November 3, 2023

Director: Raven Jackson

Cast: Kaylee Nicole Johnson, Sheila Atim, Chris Chalk, Charleen McClure, Moses Ingram

Main Genre: Drama

Review: "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" by Raven Jackson is a captivating debut that explores the significance of small moments. Produced by fellow filmmaker Barry Jenkins and distributed by A24, just like last year's incredible film "Aftersun," this movie leaves the audience unable to look away, fearing they might miss a single moment. Utilizing its unique cinematic grammar and an exploration of our connections through time, Jackson's film is a mesmerizing and powerful portrayal of memories. Its precise presentation keeps viewers engrossed in every breathtaking aspect.

What Is 'All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt' About?

From its all-encompassing sound to its visually stunning beauty and measured pacing, this content takes you on a journey that feels like reliving a vivid dream. It captures the essence of real-life experiences in a way that leaves a profound impact. Rather than focusing on traditional plot conventions, it delves into the emotions we encounter throughout life, highlighting the intricate details that remain etched in memory. The protagonist, Mack, a Black woman living in Mississippi, is portrayed through fleeting moments that span decades, creating a nonlinear and ethereal narrative. This immersive experience has the remarkable ability to reshape not only the characters' psyche but also your own.

Image via A24

Starting with Kaylee Nicole Johnson portraying Mack in her childhood during the 1970s, we are fully immersed in her serene world, filled with enchanting sounds of animals and the recurring rain that becomes a prominent symbol throughout the story. As we journey through different moments in her life, both forwards and backwards in time, the quiet aspects of her existence exude a vibrant energy in acts of kindness, just as they do in moments of chaos and destruction. Similar to witnessing a raging fire that engulfs a house in terrifying detail, we are left astounded by the profound connections forged between characters as they strive to remain united in the face of life's torrential downpours of pain and suffering.

In particular, Jackson's fascination lies with bodies, as evident in her tendency to linger on hands. Whether it's the intimate embrace of departing lovers or the passing of a newborn between two sisters, these moments are light on dialogue but heavy with emotion. Every detail is significant, contributing to the intricate tapestry gradually taking shape. While the true significance of these scenes may elude us in the moment, they become unexpectedly impactful when revisited in later moments that provide a fresh context to their unfolding.

'All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt' Has Arresting Performances

Throughout the film, Jomo Fray, the director of photography, showcases his meticulous camerawork, utilizing motion to follow the characters as they navigate both moments of celebration at a party and moments of grief during a funeral. The transitions between these contrasting events are often accentuated by sound, such as when Mack's mother applies lipstick while observing with childlike wonder. The role of Mack's mother is portrayed by Sheila Atim, known for her outstanding performance in last year's remarkable film, The Woman King. Even with limited screen time, Atim's presence captivates us, drawing us into every vivid corner of this vibrant world.

Image via A24

Atim's performance, whether she is dancing or cradling her young child, fully captures those fleeting moments in time. Her understated yet captivating portrayal leaves a lasting impact. The same can be said for Charleen McClure's portrayal of Mack in her later years and Moses Ingram's portrayal of her sister Josie. In a standout scene together, they share the most dialogue in the entire film. This choice proves to be immensely rewarding as their words resonate and give deeper meaning to the overall story. The mixture of joy and sadness they convey feels so authentic and immersive that it transports us, as if we ourselves are reliving this rich memory alongside Mack.

The beautiful music by Sasha Gordon and Victor Magro enhances the immersive atmosphere created by Miguel "Maiki" Calvo's captivating soundscape. The film captures subtlety in a way that each new element feels like a refreshing drink of water after only having droplets. As the characters discuss the transformative power of water, Mack initially struggles to grasp its significance but later conveys this wisdom to the next generation. This metaphor is intricately woven throughout the film's visually striking focus on characters experiencing profound moments in bodies of water, evoking a sense of reverence. Whether it's a bathtub or a lake, immersing yourself in the same way as the characters offers a poetic and powerful experience. This film has the ability to change you, leaving a lasting impact long after you've watched it. When all the themes explored by Jackson harmonize, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt resonates deeply and will be remembered for generations to come.

Rating: A

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is in limited theaters in the U.S. starting November 3. Click here for showtimes near you.

Editor's P/S

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is a stunning debut feature that explores the enduring legacies we leave behind through the poetic refractions of life's memories. The film captivates viewers with its unique cinematic language, immersing them in a mesmerizing combination of immersive audio, stunning visuals, and deliberate pacing. The cast delivers powerful performances, with Sheila Atim, Charleen McClure, and Moses Ingram skillfully portraying complex and emotionally resonant characters in this intricately crafted depiction.

This lyrical film is a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us, capturing the essence of Mississippi's cultural heritage. The imagery and storytelling in All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt make it a truly immersive and captivating experience. With its unique perspective and attention to detail, this film offers a profound exploration of the complexities of life and the enduring connections we have to our past.