Trapped in a Purple Haze

Set in an urban Chicago environment, the film follows Max’s life as a college student juggling hockey, art, and relationships. The city’s bustle frames his life with dorms, video stores, ice rinks, and late-night hangouts that ground the story in a relatable, modern setting. Local venues like campus, the video store, and the mall anchor the narrative in a recognizable urban landscape.

💊 Addiction

Max’s descent into heroin use with Molly exposes how dependency rewires priorities, strains family ties, and erodes school and work. The progression from casual drug use to full-blown addiction fuels escalating danger and poor choices. The theme tracks the cycle of craving, withdrawal, and the toll on those around him.

💔 Family pressure

Sophie’s push for Max to pursue art clashes with his own passion and the fear of disappointing the family. Ed provides contrasting gentleness, showing a more forgiving approach. The tension reveals how parental expectations shape a young adult’s decisions and self-worth.

🌧️ Loss and recovery

Molly’s death in a sleazy motel room marks a tipping point, sparking grief and a crisis of purpose for Max. The hospital, rehab, and eventual family reconciliation chart a path toward healing and renewal. The film argues that recovery requires acknowledging brokenness and seeking help.

🧭 Identity

Max learns to redefine who he is beyond perfection—artist, athlete, and son—without succumbing to others’ expectations. The journey toward self-acceptance threads through his relationships and choices. The ending suggests that being true to oneself is essential to finding support and belonging.