On the Outs (2004)

93% of critics liked it
(29 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(1,099 ratings)

Three teenage girls struggle to survive in the urban jungle of their hardscrabble New Jersey neighborhood in this fact-inspired independent drama. Oz (Judy Marte) is an unapologetically tough 17-year-old who oversees a team of drug dealers, but beneath her hard shell is a soft heart as she cares for… More Three teenage girls struggle to survive in the urban jungle of their hardscrabble New Jersey neighborhood in this fact-inspired independent drama. Oz (Judy Marte) is an unapologetically tough 17-year-old who oversees a team of drug dealers, but beneath her hard shell is a soft heart as she cares for her younger brother who is mentally challenged (Dominic Colón). Suzette (Anny Mariano) is 15, and her mother is determined that her daughter is going to make something of herself -- which makes matters all the worse for Suzette when her boyfriend gets her pregnant then refuses to take his share of the responsibilities. And Marison (Paola Mendoza) is a young single mother who is trying to hold on to custody of her daughter while fighting a losing battle with drug addiction. On the Outs received its world premiere at the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: Lori Silverbush, Michael Skolnik
Written By: Lori Silverbush, Michael Skolnik
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Jul 13, 2005 Wide
On DVD: May 9, 2006
Studio: Fader Films

Critic Reviews

Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
Harrowing and heartbreaking, On the Outs is persuasively performed by fine actors, yet has the real feel of a documentary.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
It succeeds, if unevenly.
Joe Leydon, Variety
An attention-grabbing showcase for three promising actresses in sharply drawn lead roles.
Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
The performances are terrific: None is showy or actorish but earnest, truthful jobs laying bare souls in anguish.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
A starkly honest and affecting dramatic feature directed by Lori Silverbush and Michael Skolnik.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Too unstructured for its own good.
David Noh, Film Journal International
Nothing short of awe-inspiring: riveting and real, a truly important work which is, blessedly, about something.
Kam Williams, Black Talent News
Based on the true cases culled from juvenile courts, this coming-of-age odyssey sensitively portrays the perilous predicament of girls growing up in today's inner city.
Kam Williams, BlackFilm.com
A trio of troubled Latinas linked by lawlessness in super-realistic, female empowerment flick not to be missed.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
A sporadically powerful but uneven little film, in which moments of insight and conviction alternate with others that seem contrived and mawkish.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
Judy Marte once again shows that she's an actress to watch. She's a commanding presence on screen and demands that you feel for her, even though her story is not the most sympathetic.
Frank Ochieng, TheWorldJournal.com
Granted that On the Outs doesn't explore any new realms of destitute city life but it still contains unspeakable moments of desolation and disillusionment.
Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald
A work of harrowing, visceral power.
Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Daily News
The filmmakers' sense of outrage is palpable, matched only by the despair coursing through the movie's brief 81-minute running time.
, E! Online
Saves itself from after-school- special territory thanks to tough, human performances and plenty of streetwise authenticity.
Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly
Well-meaning but mediocre.