A World Away Film: The Untold Story Of Rowan Blanchard's Indie Sci-Fi Adventure And Where To Stream It Now
Contents
The Core Entities: Complete Cast and Filmmaker Biography
The film is a testament to the creative vision of the Blanchard family, with director Mark Blanchard crafting a vehicle for his daughters, Rowan and Carmen, and surrounding them with a talented ensemble of known television and film actors. The story’s heart lies in the relationships between these characters as they face a bizarre, unexpected detour during a seemingly routine school trip.Key Cast and Character List
- Rowan Blanchard as Jessica Patterson: A rebellious teen struggling with her family’s broken dynamics. Her character serves as the emotional anchor of the adventure.
- Landry Bender as Zoey Cristopolis: A main protagonist, part of the group of eight graders who win the fateful raffle.
- Carmen Blanchard as Carmen Landry: The director’s daughter in her feature debut role.
- Nadine Velazquez as Lyra: Known for her roles in *My Name Is Earl* and *The League*, Velazquez brings star power to the supporting cast.
- Mary Lynn Rajskub as Principal Garcia: Known for *24*, Rajskub plays the school principal responsible for the trip.
- David DeLuise as Thomas Landry: A familiar face from *Wizards of Waverly Place*, providing a touch of family-friendly nostalgia.
- Sal Landi as Arture: A veteran actor who adds gravitas to the fantasy elements.
- Shane Blanchard as Ralphy: Another member of the Blanchard family, reinforcing the film's familial nature.
- Samantha Bowden as Annie: Completing the core group of students.
Director and Writer: Mark Blanchard
Mark Blanchard is a multi-talented director, writer, and playwright. *A World Away* (2019) is one of his most notable film projects, showcasing his ability to blend family drama with a large-scale sci-fi premise. His background is deeply rooted in theater, with credits including directing and playwriting for various stage productions. He is also the creator of the reality show *American Motor Stories*, demonstrating a diverse portfolio that spans multiple media formats. The film's production was a deeply personal endeavor, allowing him to direct his daughters in a significant, challenging feature.Plot Deep Dive: The Grand Canyon Trip That Went Off-World
The narrative of *A World Away* begins with a simple, relatable premise: a group of eighth-grade students wins a school raffle for an overnight field trip to the majestic Grand Canyon. This initial setup quickly establishes the core group of characters, their varying personalities, and the underlying tensions, particularly the issues faced by Jessica Patterson (Rowan Blanchard), who is dealing with the turmoil of a fractured family. The story’s inciting incident is a classic fantasy trope given a modern twist. Instead of a smooth flight, the students’ plane takes an unexpected and bizarre detour. This detour is not a simple mechanical failure but a mysterious event that transports the children to a completely "other world"—an alternate dimension far removed from the familiar landscapes of Earth. In this new, fantastical setting, the sci-fi adventure elements kick into high gear. The students must quickly adapt to their alien surroundings and band together to find a way home. The film cleverly uses the alternate dimension as a crucible for the characters' personal growth. The challenges they face in this new world force them to confront the real-world issues they tried to leave behind, such as bullying, insecurity, and the yearning for family unity. The fantasy setting acts as a metaphorical backdrop where their emotional struggles become tangible obstacles. The plot is structured as a survival story and a quest, with the young adventurers encountering various elements of the foreign dimension and learning to rely on each other. The focus on themes of coming-of-age, resilience, and friendship under pressure are what differentiate *A World Away* from standard sci-fi fare, giving it a strong dramatic core.Current Streaming Status and Why It’s a Hidden Gem
A key factor in the film's continued relevance is its wide availability across multiple streaming platforms, allowing it to be discovered by new audiences years after its initial festival run. This accessibility helps it maintain a presence in the digital media landscape, positioning it as a perfect weekend watch.Where to Watch *A World Away* in 2025
As of late 2025, *A World Away* is available on several major streaming services and niche channels, making it easy to stream for a global audience.- Amazon Prime Video: The film is a staple on the platform, often featured in the sci-fi or independent film categories.
- fuboTV: Available through this streaming service, which focuses on live TV and on-demand content.
- Troma NOW: Its presence on Troma NOW suggests a cult following and appreciation for its independent, genre-bending nature.
- Dove Amazon Channel: The film's inclusion on the Dove Channel highlights its family-friendly themes and positive messages, despite the serious issues it addresses.
The Indie Film Success Story
*A World Away* is an excellent example of a successful independent film project. It gained significant traction on the film festival circuit, where it was recognized for its ambitious scope and heartfelt storytelling. Its run at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (MBIFF) and the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) in 2019 helped it secure distribution and critical attention. The director, Mark Blanchard, has discussed in interviews how the film was intentionally crafted to address contemporary issues relevant to young adults, such as social isolation and the impact of digital culture, all while wrapped in an exciting alternate reality adventure. This thematic depth, combined with the novelty of seeing real-life sisters Rowan and Carmen Blanchard on screen together, offers a unique viewing experience. For fans of fantasy movies and independent cinema, *A World Away* is a compelling piece of work that deserves a spot on any must-watch list. The film's focus on character-driven drama within a fantastical setting provides a refreshing contrast to the large-budget, CGI-heavy blockbusters of the industry.
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