Rebound (USA - 2014) is the film that marks the directorial debut of film producer Megan Freels. This is a feature film somewhere between psychological horror and noir, an independent production made decently albeit on a very small budget and starring very few actors.
The story's protagonist is Claire (Ashley James), a woman in her 30s who, after finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman, decides to give up her dream of being an actress, then leave Los Angeles to return to her parents in Chicago. The road trip, however, will turn out to be far worse than her love affair gone sour. Stranded, she will be forced to call for help but will end up stuck in a nightmare. The film is built on Claire's emotions and feelings, cast in a male context in which she will be the victim of psychological and physical violence.
The protagonist is a person shattered by her partner's infidelity and facing a macho world along with which she must come to terms with her own insecurity. A series of obstacles prevent Claire from reaching her parents' home, a place where she feels the need to take refuge but which becomes a coveted mirage. The impossibility of continuing the journey kicks off a series of suspenseful situations that keep the viewer's attention alert thanks in part to the interesting evolution of the story and characters.
By contrast, Claire represents, albeit briefly, a ray of light in the small town where she seeks help. A behavior, hers, aimed at breaking the awkward silence and unkind attitudes of the locals and that will slowly succeed in extinguishing the woman's smile and increasing her inner fears, her insecurities, just as her ex did to her.
With Rebound film producer Megan Freels shows that she is also a promising director: despite her limited means, she has managed to bring to the screen an engaging story with a very feminine soul. The screenplay, by the director herself, is careful and rich and makes up for production limitations.
The actress playing the lead role is the highlight of this film. In fact, Ashley James is good at conveying the protagonist's states of mind in a crescendo of terror mixed with anguish, thus offering a valid interpretation of her shaken, insecure and tormented character.
Also good is the performance of Mark Scheibmeir who gives an interesting evolution of his character (the mechanic).
Also in the cast are Liz Bauer, Kevin Bulla, Julia Beth Stern , Wes O'Lee, Brett Johnston, Dan Sutter and Ali Williams.
Megan Freels is retracing the footsteps of her grandfather Elmore Leonard, a famous U.S. writer, screenwriter (That Train to Yuma) and film producer, by starting to produce adaptations of his works. Active in the film business as a producer for ten years now, Megan Freels will soon be involved in Eric England's new film (Contracted).
Rebound is currently available on demand on Amazon and Google Play while iTunes and the DVD format will have to wait until next August 25.
