Bound

This little gem of a film is one heck of an emotional ride. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon it at a film festival. I rarely go to festivals, but after seeing this, I might start going to more.

I don't know much about these actors or the writer/director, but they all did a very good job keeping attention very taught from start to finish. I lost a lot of my fingernails by the end of this film.

I am a sucker for underdog stories, especially when the themes involve underrepresented people that fight together and managed to overcome the stacked odds against them. By no means am I saying it has a HOLLYWOOD ending, it does not. In a way it is a tragic ending, but resolves in a truthful, realistic way.

"Bound," the feature directorial debut from Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, is a gripping indie drama that explores the resilience of the human spirit against a backdrop of abuse, trauma, and the harsh realities of life in New York City.

The film stars Alexandra Faye Sadeghian as Bella Patterson, a young woman deeply scarred by her past. Bella's life has been a relentless struggle, trying to shield her mentally unstable mother, Yeva (Pooya Mohseni), from her abusive and drug-dealing stepfather, Gordy (Bryant Carroll). When the situation becomes unbearable, Bella makes the brave decision to flee home, accompanied by her loyal pet sugar glider (aka pocket squirrel or flying squirrel). Symbolizing her fragile yet resilient heart and soul.

Sadeghian delivers a remarkable and convincing performance as Bella. Her portrayal captures the raw emotions and complexities of a young woman grappling with her traumatic past while striving to forge a new path. Her nuanced acting brings depth and authenticity to the character, making Bella's journey both compelling and relatable.

Her journey to New York City is fraught with challenges. With no money, no friends, and no shelter, Bella's pride prevents her from turning back. She briefly joins a group of goths and punks but soon finds herself on the run again. Her fortunes begin to change when she meets Owais (Ramin Karimloo), a Muslim American war hero who has lost everything after returning from the war. He offers her a job at his coffee shop, providing a glimmer of stability in her chaotic life.

As Bella starts to rebuild her life, she forms meaningful connections with Standrick, a gay black clothing designer, and Marta (Jessica Pimentel), an immigrant bar owner. These relationships help her to rediscover her passion for art and begin the process of healing. However, Gordy is determined not to let her go easily, adding a layer of tension to her newfound sense of hope.

"Bound" is a testament to Bella's toughness and determination. Sadeghian's powerful portrayal of Bella anchors the film, capturing the complexity of a young woman navigating the hard edges of New York City while clinging to her inner strength. The supporting cast, including Karimloo, Pimentel, and Mohseni, provide depth to the narrative, each portraying characters who are themselves dealing with profound personal struggles.

Woofter's direction brings a raw and authentic feel to the film, immersing the audience in Bella's journey. The pocket squirrel, an unusual but effective symbol, underscores the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience.

"Bound" is a poignant and compelling story of survival, friendship, and self-discovery. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward. Alexandra Faye Sadeghian's performance as Bella Patterson is nothing short of outstanding, making "Bound" a must-watch for its emotional depth and exceptional character portrayal.

Great acting, great story, great indie film!

Rarely do I come across an Indie film of this quality. It makes me wonder how an Indie film breaks through to the next level.

This film is very emotional and stressful, and gave me a little bit of anxiety, but it was worth it for the cathartic end. It didn't have a ton of dialogue, and makes of you really watch and listen. It definitely does not spoon feed, so if you want a movie where you can just shut your brain off and not think, this is not the film for you.

I recommend giving this movie a shot. I know I'll be looking out for whatever this Director makes next.

Saw this film at Dances with Films in Los Angeles. I like this festival because it advocates for indie film makers and doesn't showcase studio and big budget films. Many of the films tend to be young filmmakers. For this film it is their first feature. These filmmakers were ambitious and did pretty good. It has a few flaws, but I overlooked them because the overall experience was good, especially since this is their first film. Great acting overall and the editing takes a second to get use with all the fast cuts, but once I gave into the style I enjoyed it. I'm curious as to what these filmmakers come up with next.

I've seen this film twice now, on the festival circuit and in its new theatrical release, and both times it was deeply engaging. The ensemble cast is universally strong, and each character evokes profound levels of compassion. The story is a valuable guide for any of us who feel like we've struggled to survive something. The lead actress gives a powerful performance as a character striving for independence as she learns to accept help from her found family. And the antagonist is equal parts frightening and shockingly sympathetic. It's very impressive how the filmmakers infused so much tenderness and warmth into such a fast-paced intense story. This kind of daring, boot-straps indie filmmaking deserves a lot more attention. Don't miss it!