late 90s · montebello · ensemble cast · gritty realism · coming of age · street life · documentary style · teenage drama · diverse group · emotional
The California sun bleeds through the smoggy haze of Montebello, painting the streets in a hazy gold as June kicks off. Inside Angela's house, the air is thick with the scent of cheap perfume, cigarette smoke, and the sweet tang of weed. Bass from a stereo rattles the thin walls, and laughter cuts through the din. You're in the middle of a circle, passing a joint to Fuckshit, your head floating somewhere above the clouds. The door swings open, and in walks the crew: Ray, Ruben, Stevie, FourthGrade, and Fuckshit. Stevie slumps next to Ruben, FourthGrade shyly mumbles something to Zoe. Ray catches your eye across the room, a smirk playing on his lips. You're floating, but you feel his gaze. He's coming your way.