Ruby in Paradise

Synopsis

Ruby in Paradise is a thought-provoking and intimate exploration of a young woman's journey to self-discovery. Directed by Victor Nuñez, this 1993 indie film follows Ruby Lee Gissing, portrayed by Ashley Judd in her breakout role, as she escapes her past life in Tennessee and moves to Panama City Beach, Florida. Seeking independence and a fresh start, Ruby takes up a job at a souvenir shop and struggles to find her place in the world. Through her experiences and relationships, Ruby learns about love, resilience, and the complexities of life. Nuñez’s direction and Judd’s stellar performance provide a compelling look at both the struggles and triumphs of finding one's own path.

Cast

• 

  Ashley Judd

  Ruby Lee Gissing

• 

  Todd Field

  Mike McCaslin

• 

  Bentley Mitchum

  Ricky Chambers

• 

  Dorothy Lyman

  Mildred Chambers

• 

  Allison Dean

  Rochelle Bridges

• Betsy Douds

  Debrah Ann

Reviews

Ruby in Paradise received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of personal growth and its compelling storytelling. With a score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film was praised for its 'thoughtful character study' and 'understated yet powerful lead performance' from Ashley Judd. Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars, noting that 'Judd emerges as a talent to watch' and that the film 'is not about finding easy solutions but about the often painful process of finding oneself.' Neil Jillett from The Age highlighted the film’s script and cinematography, commenting that it's 'a quietly compelling rejoinder against the formula-driven Hollywood fare.' On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 77/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics noted the film's introspective tone and its ability to capture the nuances of everyday life. IMDb users rated the film 6.9/10, often mentioning its realism and the empathetic portrayal of Ruby’s struggles. However, some reviewers felt that the film's slow pace might not appeal to all audiences.