Bustin’ Loose

A parolee who appears initially to be a job-focused driver, Joe discovers a natural ability to connect with and protect the children. He demonstrates practical street-smarts, patience, and honesty as he guides the kids through fear and risk. Over the journey, he shifts from self-interest toward responsibility, mentoring Annie and Anthony and ultimately choosing to stay with the group.

A dedicated schoolteacher whose school has been closed due to budget cuts, Vivian decides to relocate the eight special-needs students to her aunt's farm in rural Washington. She embodies compassion and resilience, navigating conflicts with the systems around her. Her partnership with Joe tests trust and reveals what a community can achieve when given a second chance.

One of the eight special-needs students traveling with the group, Annie embodies vulnerability and longing. She reveals a moment of boundary-testing when she tries to sleep with Joe, prompting him to respond with guidance and care. Her journey with Joe and Vivian highlights how trust and mentorship can help a child confront fear and pain.

Another special-needs student, Anthony shows impulsive behavior that puts him at risk, including an incident where he nearly harms property. Joe's intervention helps redirect him toward safety, illustrating the film's focus on protection and guidance for children in crisis.

Joe's parole officer who pressures him to be useful to a plan, often clashing with Vivian's relocation effort. He tracks the group's movements and ultimately confronts the limits of authority, culminating in a decision that allows Joe to stay rather than be dragged back to Philadelphia.

A figurehead of the Klansmen who appears as an antagonistic force during the journey. He becomes part of a tense dynamic when Joe negotiates with him, illustrating how prejudice can be challenged through unexpected acts of cooperation.