Criss Cross

The story is set in 1969, a year defined by Apollo 11's Moon landing and a broader era of social upheaval in America. The Cross family negotiates poverty, parental absence, and moral ambiguity against a backdrop of cultural change. The period mood—hot days, bright nights, and a sense of possibility tempered by danger—frames the characters' choices.

Key West, Florida, serves as the intimate backdrop. The film unfolds across a modest motel and local workplaces that reveal the town’s precarious economy. Its sunlit, tourist-friendly exterior contrasts with a world of struggle, crime, and quiet resilience that shapes Tracy and Chris.

💔 Family Struggles

The Cross family fights to stay afloat as separation, hardship, and sacrifice test bonds. Tracy's relentless efforts to hold things together meet Chris's growing awareness of risk and the pull of a troubled world. The film examines how love, responsibility, and flawed decisions shape a fragile domestic peace.

🌊 Poverty & Morality

Desperation blurs lines between right and wrong as characters take morally gray steps to survive. The story tracks how economic strain and social pressures push individuals toward choices they never imagined. The tension between necessity and integrity sits at the heart of their actions.

🛡️ Protection & Redemption

Protection of loved ones becomes a driving force amid trauma and uncertainty. The narrative explores attempts at reconciliation, resilience, and paths toward rebuilding after damage. Even amid mistakes, the search for something restorative persists.