Bound (2025) - Film Review

      Bound, 2025.

      Directed by Isaac Hirotsu Woofter.

      Featuring Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, Jessica Pimentel, Ramin Karimloo, Pooya Mohseni, Aaron Dalla Villa, Bryant Carroll, Jaye Alexander, and Alok Tewari.

      SYNOPSIS

      To escape her abusive stepfather, who is involved in drug dealing, a young introvert escapes to NYC. After successfully reinventing her life, she realizes that she must face her troubled past to attain true freedom.

      Navigating the indie film landscape can be challenging. Securing funding and then obtaining appropriate distribution in hopes of reaching the right audience is a significant struggle. Even with the best intentions, one may aspire to create the next Paris, Texas, but encounter a market that predominantly seeks the next low-budget horror derived from public domain properties. Not that there’s anything wrong with that approach.

      Despite the increasing prominence of A24, Neon, Black Bear, and similar companies pursuing auteur-driven projects, the direct-to-streaming space lacks many distributors willing to produce smaller-scale equivalents. However, occasionally a film manages to break through the noise.

      Bound, crafted by writer and director Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, is one of those disappointingly rare exceptions. Intensely character-driven, the film follows the introverted Bella, who, fed up with her mother’s addiction struggles and wishing to escape an abusive stepfather, leaves town for New York. Initially, she faces difficulties due to lack of money and shelter until she encounters some genuinely kind individuals who provide her with support. However, her past soon resurfaces, impacting her new life.

      When it comes to launching indie dramas without notable star power or a well-known producer, the projects that transition from script to screen often need to deliver. Fortunately, Bound manages to do just that. Drawing inspiration from early Sean Baker films, Woofter assembles a fantastic cast and develops idiosyncratic, engaging characters.

      The main character, Belle, is compellingly flawed and relatable. Just starting to navigate the harsh realities of adulthood, she struggles with trust issues and a tendency to undermine herself. The quirky addition of a pet flying squirrel is one of several unique character touches throughout the film. Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, portraying Belle, is remarkable. The film predominantly centers on her, with much relying on her performance. She conveys a depth of complexity, even with a character who speaks little. When significant emotional moments arise, Sadeghian adeptly expresses her feelings, making a lasting impact on the audience.

      Casting for indie films can be quite challenging due to constraints of time and budget. In short, often the supporting cast consists of individuals who are easy to source rather than those who genuinely embody the characters. Woofter circumvents these issues, bringing together experienced Broadway actors who enhance the key roles. Jessica Pimentel, Ramin Karimloo, Pooya Mohseni, Alok Tewari, and Jaye Alexander all deliver strong performances. Bryant Carroll stands out as Gordy, portraying the abusive stepfather with depth and complexity, transitioning between being despicable and tragic.

      As the film approaches its final act, it risks veering into more formulaic thriller territory, yet it skillfully maintains its emotional essence. Some narrative twists seemed a bit too coincidental, particularly in light of the film's previously established subtlety.

      From a technical standpoint, the film is remarkably polished. The cinematography by Maximilian Lewin and Jake Simpson is excellent, the locations are visually appealing and grounded, and Ethan Startzman’s score adds an atmospheric layer. Bound is definitely a must-see, showcasing outstanding performances and a gripping, emotionally resonant story. Its heavy themes can make it a challenging watch, but the film's sincerity is evident. Dear indie filmmakers, we hope to see more works like this in the future.

      Bound is set to premiere on streaming in May.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Tom Jolliffe