Written and directed by Max Walker-Silverman, after wildfires take his ranch, a cowboy named Dusty winds up in a FEMA camp, finding community with others who lost homes, including his daughter and ex-wife. Starring: Josh O’Connor, Meghann Fahy, Lily LaTorre, Kali Reis, Amy Madigan, Jefferson Mays, Nancy Morlan and Sam Engbring.
In today’s landscape where the world gives you endless reasons to be frustrated, sad or dejected, there is a real place, and need, for simple, wholesome cinema about reflecting on your problems, finding your community, and getting your priorities straight. Rebuilding is a great example of that, the tone is filled with warmth yet sadness, and Max Walker-Silverman tells this story with an utterly humble style.
You’re immediately hit with that everyday aesthetic, it’s not glamorised, it’s not trying to use the picturesque backdrop of the mountains to elevate itself, it’s sticking to an earnest foundation. Although, those mountains sure don’t hurt to look at. The atmosphere and air which it creates feel reminiscent of The Straight Story, which is one of the all-time greatest pieces of wholesome cinema. In a similar way, Rebuilding finds the struggle and the stubbornness while also finding the power in the little things and in caring for family.
It has a strong quietness to it, it’s charming and genuine, and moves slowly but tenderly. It’s supported by a score which perfectly matches the level of emotion. The performances are all grounded and have that mix of sweetness and sadness. Josh O’Connor understandably wouldn’t be the first name to come to mind when you think of a cowboy, but he was a great fit to give such a resonating, understated and touching performance.
He’s supported very well by Lily LaTorre as his daughter Callie-Rose, she’s got an independent streak, she wants to get closer to her father but is prepared to put up a wall to protect herself and she has an adorable personality. Watching their connection bloom is moving and such a big part of the heart of Rebuilding. Kali Reis was another wonderful addition, she has certainly proved her talents by now with her great work in Catch the Fair One and True Detective, so hopefully more roles will keep coming her way as she has such an excellent presence. Amy Madigan may only have a brief role to play but it’s a very moving, vulnerable one that rounds out the film fantastically.
Rebuilding is charming, touching, wholesome and humble. It’s the sort of film to give you hope that in tough times, people will still come together and that making those connections will help you get through. It’s shot well to appreciate the great visuals the landscape has to offer while keeping its feet firmly on the ground. Max Walker-Silverman isn’t trying for a deep self-reflection, exploration of depression or political perspective of the state of ranch work in the US, he keeps it close to home and tells an earnest story about the power of community.
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