Her Name Was Jo (2025)

: Mary Cate Williams as Jo, Eliza Duca as Selma, and Jim Constable as Bill Production Company : Exertion Films

: Jo’s journey is a search for identity and freedom beyond her abusive past, even as she encounters new dangers like drug dealers and the isolation of the road.

is a 2021 independent coming-of-age drama written and directed by Joe Duca . The film follows a 10-year-old girl named Jo (Mary Cate Williams) on a gritty but hope-filled journey from rural Virginia to Los Angeles. Story Overview Her Name Was Jo

: The film gained attention on the indie circuit for its fresh, captivating take on life on the run through the eyes of a child. Her Name Was Jo | Film Threat

When Bill dies of an overdose, Jo sees an opportunity to escape. She and Selma dump his body, steal his car, and embark on a cross-country trip in search of Jo’s biological father, , a legendary folk singer living in the "City of Angels". Key Themes & Style : Mary Cate Williams as Jo, Eliza Duca

The narrative begins in the Shenandoah Valley, where Jo lives in a trailer with her abusive, drug-addicted stepfather, Bill. Her life is one of survival—fishing and scrapping for metal alongside her imaginary best friend, Selma (Eliza Duca).

: While the film starts in a "fairly depressing place," reviewers have noted its transition into a more hopeful and transformational journey. Production Details Director/Writer : Joe Duca Story Overview : The film gained attention on

: The bond between Jo and Selma (who is later revealed to be an imaginary companion Jo created to cope with trauma) is the emotional core of the film.