There is something refreshingly unvarnished about a movie that refuses to polish its characters into neat, likeable packages. That is precisely what the Oregon independent film Gifts of Disposition delivers, and it is now available to stream for free. Produced by Lynard Schurr, the debut feature from director Zach Flanary captures the Pacific Northwest through a gritty, 1970s-inspired cinematic style.
The film, which was released in early 2026, follows an unlikely friendship between a heroin-addicted chess hustler and a 12-year-old teenager living in section 8 housing. Written and directed by Zach Flanary, the story blends dark comedy with social realism, all set against the recognizable streets of Portland. Gifts of Disposition does not follow the typical coming-of-age or addiction-drama playbook, instead favoring naturalistic performances, morally complicated characters, and a healthy dose of dark humor.
The plot centers on Vivienne, played by Ragan Flanary, who lands a one-time chance to screen test for a film in Los Angeles after attending an open casting call at Portland’s KBOO Community Radio. To prepare for the audition, she turns to George, a chess hustler living out of a van in a nearby park with his friend Jimmy, portrayed by Cody McBride. George’s improvised lessons transform Portland’s streets into an unpredictable rehearsal space, forging a friendship defined by their vastly different ambitions and circumstances.
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The performances have not gone unnoticed. Bradley Gibson of Film Threat offered high praise, stating: “Ragan is a powerhouse, and not just for a teenager. She has natural screen presence that actors many times her age would kill for.” FilmCarnage commended Ragan Flanary’s ability to capture “the naivety, insecurity and fear of her youth,” while Jonita Davis of The Black Cape described the film as “one of those chaotic tales of unlikely friendship.”
Shot across Portland, Vancouver, and coastal Oregon, the 78-minute feature showcases familiar regional landmarks, including KBOO Community Radio and Astoria’s historic Columbian Theater. The film was produced by Mary Flanary for Lynard Schurr and also stars Cody McBride, Matty Clark, Jesse Empie, and Alana Hall.
For those looking to watch it, Gifts of Disposition is currently streaming free on Tubi, with additional digital listings on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Mary Flanary
Lynard Schurr
Why it matters: In a streaming landscape dominated by big-budget productions and safe storytelling, Gifts of Disposition stands as a reminder that independent cinema can still take risks with difficult subject matter and unconventional pairings. The film’s free availability on Tubi also lowers the barrier for audiences to discover a distinctly Oregon-made story that might otherwise go unnoticed.
