Snake Feed is a glimpse into the lives of Irene and Rick, two people struggling with life-long addiction and marginal employment. The film follows a day in their lives at a time when Rick is dealing in the small-time pill trade and Irene is intent on rebuilding her life. In the course of the story, Rick betrays Irene's trust, which causes her to take action on behalf of herself and her children. The setting, a small town in upstate New York, is woven into the film through the inclusion of details of daily life.
Direction
Granik's debut already shows her gift for authenticity.
Acting
Non-professional cast brings lived-in desperation.

Director
Debra Granik
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Debra Granik's thesis film at NYU — she cast locals from her own upstate New York town.
Shot on 16mm for roughly $12,000, it helped launch the 'regional realist' movement in American indie cinema.