Liquor Bank opens limited theatrical run in Santa Monica

Marcellus Cox’s 15-minute short film about relapse, accountability and recovery begins a one-week theatrical engagement Sept. 25 at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica. The film, based on a true story and praised on the festival circuit, centers on a Marine facing an ultimatum from his AA sponsor after a relapse.

Why it matters: - The film puts addiction support, relapse and accountability on a public stage at a time when recovery stories often focus only on the person using alcohol. - "Liquor Bank" also spotlights the role of sponsors, family and caregivers, showing how support can mean telling the truth and setting boundaries.

What happened: - "Liquor Bank," written and directed by Marcellus Cox, begins a limited theatrical engagement Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2026, at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica. - The film screens daily at 3:25 p.m. at 1332 Second Street. - The 15-minute short is based on a true story. - The story follows Eddie Mohler, a U.S. Marine who relapses one day before his first year of sobriety. - Baker, Eddie’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, confronts him with an ultimatum that could change Eddie’s life.

The details: - Antwone Barnes plays Eddie Mohler. - Sean Alexander James plays Baker. - The film explores the space between relapse and recovery, where one person is losing ground and another must decide how far loyalty and responsibility should go. - Baker’s role is framed as an example of difficult support: compassion without denial and accountability without abandonment. - The story argues that addiction affects families, friendships, workplaces and communities, not just the person in crisis. - The film aims to highlight the difference between helping and enabling, and the need to stay present without taking over someone else’s recovery. - Critics have praised the film’s emotional honesty and performances. - Dom Fisher of Geek Vibes Nation called it "a sincere portrayal of commitment, patience, and selflessness" and "a fantastic reminder that good people still exist." - Richard Propes of The Independent Critic called Cox "a filmmaker to watch" and "a remarkable storyteller grounded in the richness of universal experiences." - Kristy Strouse of Film Inquiry wrote that the film "feels lived in, comfortable in its discomfort" and said Cox handles the subject "with care."

Between the lines: - Cox uses a single confrontation to connect recovery to broader themes of military life, friendship, responsibility and second chances. - The film’s emphasis on the supporter, not just the person relapsing, makes the story broader than a standard addiction drama. - The festival response suggests the short has already found an audience for its intimate, socially relevant approach.

What's next: - The Santa Monica run gives audiences a one-week chance to see the film in theaters before any broader release plan is announced. - The team is also offering interviews, review access and press materials through Sandra J. Evers-Manly at BHERC. - Tickets and screening information are available through the Laemmle Monica Film Center.

The bottom line: - "Liquor Bank" is positioning itself as both a recovery story and a conversation starter about how to support someone without abandoning them.