
West of Greatness: The Story of the Westwego Muscle Boys
A film about dreams, desperation, & bodybuilding
In a fading Louisiana town, Jerome dreams of Hollywood while Terry seeks escape from a troubled home. United by desperation, they train for a high-stakes bodybuilding competition that becomes their shot at something more. Filmed over 18 months, WEST OF GREATNESS blazes a bold new trail in cinematic storytelling, blending raw documentary with scripted drama. It's a haunting, human story of ambition, survival, and the quiet bond that forms when there's nothing left to lose.
- Year: 2025
- Country:
- Genre: Drama
- Studio: Something Human, Staunch Character Films
- Keyword: underdog, friendship, identity, transformation, new orleans, louisiana, louisiana, ambition, bodybuilding, coming of age, working class, poverty, gym, race, mental health, masculinity, homoerotic, indie film, southern united states, hybrid documentary
- Director: Jared Cliff LaReau
- Cast: Elise Adams, John Zimmermann, Gordy Cassel, Stevie Cavalier, Catalina Cielo, Fred Davis