At the Ready

About 'At The Ready'

Released in 2021, 'At The Ready' is a gripping documentary that provides a deep dive into the lives of high school seniors from predominantly Latinx communities, who are training to become police officers or border patrol agents at Horizon High School located near the U.S. - Mexico border. Directed by Maisie Crow, this timely film sheds light on critical issues such as immigration, law enforcement, and the complexities experienced by individuals living in border communities.

Making / Production

'At The Ready' is a production of Maisie Crow and Hillary Pierce, with cinematography by Alvaro Torres Crespo. It's a unique film that explores the daily lives and aspirations of these students and serves as a microcosm of broader social and political issues.

Actors

• Cesar Garcia: 'At The Ready' portrays real students whose stories unfold in a candid, documentary style. Cesar portrays himself in the film, navigating his way through the criminal justice program at Horizon High School.
• Mason McGowan: Playing himself, Mason is a determined student aspiring to join law enforcement, often caught between his dreams and the realities associated with them.
• Christina Severson: Christina’s role is a depiction of herself—a diligent student who struggles with the moral complexities of potential law enforcement careers.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
• 'At The Ready' was shot primarily in Horizon City, Texas, a suburb of El Paso.
• Most of the students featured in the film are of Mexican descent, presenting a unique perspective of the border patrol and immigration issues.

Awards

As of now, 'At The Ready' does not have any awards to its name. However, garnering significant attention at various film festivals, its potential for future accolades cannot be discounted.

Quotes

• "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - A poignant quote from the film, reflecting the students' drive towards law enforcement.
• "I want to make a difference in my community." - A quote that encapsulates the aspirations of the students at Horizon High School.

Music, Soundtrack

• Given the documentary-style of 'At The Ready,' the film does not have a traditional soundtrack. However, it uses ambient sounds and background music effectively to underscore the tension and urgency prevalent in the narrative.