A most intriguing and unusual first feature from the dexterous hands of Campbell Scott, OFF THE MAP takes place somewhere in the high desert of New Mexico where an eccentric family threesome lives almost completely outside the bounds of 21st century “civilization”. The teenage daughter -- sensitively played by Valentina de Angelis -- who tells the story, is home-schooled, hyper-articulate and a crack shot. She keeps the family supplied with squirrels (protein) for supper. Her father, the wonderfully understated Sam Elliott, has been enveloped in an unfathomable depression for some months, and his illness is taking its toll on them all. Her mother (Joan Allen in yet another beautifully nuanced performance) will use all her considerable powers to keep his monsters at bay and her family intact. A hapless IRS agent stumbles into view, close to collapse after trekking through the desert when his car broke down, to find the family and extract their unpaid taxes. His presence alters the delicate chemistry and becomes the catalyst for life-changing surprises on all sides. Joan Ackerman’s screenplay presents a handful of fully human, quirky, multi-dimensional characters and entwines them in unexpected and meaningful ways. If you’ve ever felt close to the edge, this story will show you that there are many roads back. (Catherine Wyler)

Director: Campbell Scott
Producer: George Van Buskirk
Screenwriter: Joan Ackermann
Cast: Joan Allen, Valentina de Angelis, Sam Elliott, JK Simmons, Jim True-Frost, Amy Brennerman

BIO: Joan Ackermann
SCREENWRITER

Joan Ackermann founded and serves as co-artistic director of Mixed Company, the Great Barrington, MA-based theater now it its 20th year. In addition to OFF THE MAP, Ackermann wrote the plays Zara Spook and Other Lures, Stanton’s Garage, The Battling Cage, Don’t Ride the Clutch, Bed and Breakfast, Rescuing Greenland, Isabella, A Knight at the Theatre and Back Story.