Asphalt City
6
Ollie Cross is a young paramedic with a clear dream: to become a doctor. While preparing for the rigorous entrance exam to Medical School, he works on the chaotic streets of New York City, responding to all kinds of emergencies aboard an ambulance. His partner, Gene Rutovsky, is a seasoned paramedic who has seen and experienced almost everything in his career. Gene becomes Ollie's guide and mentor, teaching him more than just medical procedures; he teaches him how to survive in the world of high-stress, high-stakes emergency care.
Gene is tough, no-nonsense, and has a pragmatic approach to life and work. Through his years of experience, he shows Ollie how to handle pressure, stay calm in the midst of chaos, and connect with patients during their most vulnerable moments. Together, they respond to accidents, medical crises, and life-threatening situations where every second counts. As Ollie navigates the chaotic streets of New York, he begins to understand that being a paramedic is not only about medical skills, but about emotional resilience and mental toughness.
Ollie's journey is not an easy one. While learning to handle the demands of his job, he must also balance his medical school preparations, dealing with the stress and uncertainty of whether he’s good enough. Gene’s tough love approach helps Ollie tackle these challenges, teaching him that medicine, like life itself, is full of uncertainty and difficult decisions. Through their daily experiences, Ollie learns that the true essence of medicine is not just about treating the body but also understanding and comforting the soul.
With every emergency response, Ollie faces not only the physical injuries of the patients but also the emotional complexity of their situations. As he watches Gene in action, he begins to absorb lessons beyond the textbook—lessons on empathy, patience, and mental fortitude. Gene teaches him that in medicine, there are no guarantees and that sometimes the best you can do is offer compassion and support.
Over time, the relationship between Ollie and Gene deepens, becoming more than just a professional partnership. Gene evolves into a role model for Ollie, showing him not only what it means to be a good paramedic but also what it takes to be a strong, compassionate human being. Through his time in the ambulance, Ollie learns that becoming a great doctor is not just about knowledge, but about the ability to truly understand and connect with people in their most vulnerable moments.
"Ollie Cross" is a story of growth, sacrifice, and the challenges of learning to be both a professional and a compassionate human being. In this high-pressure world of emergency medicine, Ollie discovers that saving lives is not just about medical expertise, but about the ability to stay human when everything around you is falling apart.
Director: Betty Austin, Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, Scott Bowers, Urs Hirschbiegel
Cast: Alisa Mironova, Charrisse Matthews, Decater James, Donna Glaesener, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Jagan Badvel, Kali Reis, Kareemeh Odeh, Katherine Waterston, Michael Pitt, Mike Tyson, Onie Maceo Watlington
