In the mountains of North Carolina, a young boy lives with his troubled mother. “August” directed by Cameron Morton, is a slice-of-life portrait of rural living that merges into a heavy family drama of lost innocence. Spending his days zipping around on this bike or feeding his dog cereal, the kid is mostly left to his own devices. And it might seem idyllic if not for a dark undercurrent — his close relationship with his mom, though, is complicated by her relationship to another man, and is characterized by painful outbursts and abusive cycles. Brimming with intimacy and intensity, Morton’s film renders lived-in poignancy from rich visuals and natural performances. -KA.

Directed by Cameron Morton. Cast: Thomas Miller & Erin Ownbey. Director of Photography: Matthew Roveto. Editor: João Marcos Machado. Sound Design: Will Mayo. Production Design: Tij D'oyen. Costume Design: Andrew Walsh. Producers: Cameron Morton & Matthew Roveto.