Jarrad Webster
Jarrad Webster’s filmography is a bit of a trip—think indie drama meets the raw, sometimes messy reality of life. First up, The Journey of Jared Price (2000) drags you straight into the whirlwind of a young guy, Jared, who up and ditches small-town blah for the bright lights (and weirdness) of Los Angeles. He’s not just chasing a job; he’s trying to figure out who the hell he is. It’s awkward, it’s tender, and the relationships he stumbles into—romantic and otherwise—are complicated, just like real life. No sugarcoating.
Jump to The Craving (2011), and things get darker, itchier. This one’s all about desire, addiction, and that gnawing feeling that you’re never quite satisfied. The characters are flawed, sometimes even unlikeable, but honestly, who isn’t? Webster doesn’t shy away from the ugly bits—this film sort of grabs you by the collar and shoves you into the chaos of obsession and self-destruction. Not exactly popcorn fare, but it’ll stick with you.
And then there’s The Rise and Fall of Jeremy Starr (2009), which, as the name suggests, tracks the rollercoaster of fame. Jeremy starts out hungry for the spotlight, but fame’s a double-edged sword, right? The film digs into the highs of recognition and the lows of public scrutiny, with Webster painting a picture that’s both glamorous and, frankly, pretty brutal. Underneath it all, there’s a lingering question: What does it really cost to be seen?