Starring Rip Torn, Dina Korzun, and Darren R. Burrows, the film follows a young Russian woman living in Memphis with an aging music producer who comes to question her life when his adult son comes to visit.

Sachs, who co-wrote the script with musician Michael Rohatyn, was inspired by the works of Ken Loach, including Kes, Family Life, and Looks and Smiles, as well as Satyajit Ray's Charulata.

Laura, a young Russian woman, lives with the much older Alan James, a renowned rock 'n' roll producer in Memphis, Tennessee.

After drinking at a bar, Laura reluctantly accepts a car ride home from a guy who shows interest in her.

The situation is watched from behind a door by Michael, Alan's adult son from a previous marriage who is visiting from Los Angeles.

Later, Michael apologizes for his behavior and admits he took out his anger on her, which he says is the result of marital troubles with his pregnant wife.

Laura, who dabbles in songwriting and is working on a song called "Forty Shades of Blue", learns Michael is a teacher and writer.

Alan's treatment of Laura angers Michael, but she insists to him her life is a comfortable and satisfying one compared to her modest upbringing in Russia.

Alan wants to make up for his philandering to her but begins to ramble nonchalantly about his business deals, while Laura starts to cry.

[5] The website's critics consensus reads, "In its portrayal of a woman's awakening and disillusionment, Forty Shades of Blue is as nuanced as its title would suggest.

"[10] Ruthe Stein of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote the film "intricately captures the high end of music society".

Scott wrote, "Memphis itself takes on something of the dimensions of a character in the film, insinuating its history and personality into the story and giving it a rough, lived-in texture as well as a musical lilt that helps its sorrows go down a little easier -- at least for the audience.