On April 25, the West Newton Cinema continued its commitment to showcase and discuss thought-provoking documentaries by local talent with the showing of Recovery City, the latest film by director Lisa Olivieri. This gripping documentary explores the difficult but hopeful journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, as seen through the experiences of four women in Worcester. Following the showing, a panel of Olivieri and the four women portrayed discussed the film.
At the heart of Recovery City are two compelling narrative arcs that bring viewers into the raw, emotional realities of addiction and resilience.
The first follows Christine, a determined single mother and recovering addict who fights tirelessly to regain custody of her four children after they are taken by state authorities. She allows the filmmaker into her world, providing an unfiltered look at her daily life—at work, at home, and during both supervised and unsupervised visits with her children.
The film captures Christine’s years-long unwavering struggle to prove to the system that she can rebuild her life and thus reclaim her family.
The second arc highlights the work of recovery coach Rebecca and police officer Janis, whose watchword is “to meet people where they’re at.” They traverse Worcester’s streets offering food, clothing, and referrals for treatment and shelter to women battling addiction. Their compassion is evident in every interaction, with perhaps a warm pair of socks and a cup of coffee on a winter’s day, a gentle nudge toward recovery, and always with a big hug and an “I love you” goodbye. The film immerses viewers in their efforts, revealing the harsh realities of street life where overflowing shelters keep people on the streets. Later, Rebecca shares her own painful descent from a stable, married life into addiction and incarceration before emerging into recovery, a transformation that adds depth to her work with struggling women. Janis, as a mother of a daughter battling addiction, has had her struggles, too.
Through these interwoven stories, Recovery City illustrates how community-driven efforts can make a profound difference in confronting addiction and offering hope.
Following the April 25 screening, an engaging discussion unfolded between Olivieri and the film’s four main subjects, moderated by local producer and West Newton Cinema advisor Anne Marie Stein. Olivieri shared what drew her to each woman’s story, explaining how she employed Robert Altman-inspired techniques to weave together their overlapping narratives.
The four women portrayed in the film reflected on their trust in Olivieri, expressing appreciation for her ability to share their journeys without exploitation. Rebecca and Janis, often referred to as Worcester’s own “Cagney and Lacey,” embraced their role as a “dynamic duo” on the streets. Rebecca also spoke about a saying that deeply resonated with her: “The opposite of addiction is connection.” This theme echoes throughout the film, as we witness Rebecca and others reaching out—without judgment—to form meaningful connections with those in need, regardless of their circumstances. `
