BOUND directed by Isaac Hirotsu Woofter: NBFF FILM REVIEW
Screening: Fri, Oct 18th, 6:00 PM @ Triangle 3
BOUND written and directed by Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, is a captivating coming-of-age thriller that holds nothing back and accelerates with intensity. Its tagline, "just because you can run doesn’t mean you are free," sets the tone for a gripping narrative and must-see experience at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Peace is subjective, influenced by personal experiences and often obstructed by trauma. Many find comfort in chaos, resulting in a complex relationship where tranquility can seem unattainable or unappealing. This film illustrates how different individuals navigate their emotional landscapes, revealing that for some, breaking generational cycles is the only gift they can offer.
We are quickly introduced to Bella Patterson (Alexandra Faye Sadeghian), a young artist whose only companion is a pocket squirrel named Bandit, who effortlessly steals the spotlight. The intersection of their dynamic reveals a profound symbolism; both are wild creatures driven by instinct. Bella, shaped by her family's dysfunction, embodies the untamed spirit of a wild animal, navigating her chaotic environment with resilience and creativity. Audiences can easily draw a connection between the two and appreciate the beauty of their relationship.
As the story unfolds, Bella flees to NYC after her mother, Yeva Patterson (Pooja Mohseni), welcomes back her slimy greaseball of a stepfather, Gordy, portrayed brilliantly by Bryant Carroll. Gordy is so unlikable that he represents the kind of man many people have encountered—one whose emotional growth has been stunted. We witness his demons emerge through his drug and alcohol abuse, along with his domestic violence against his wife. As Yeva's health deteriorates, worsened by Bella's absence, Gordy is drawn into a tense game of cat and mouse that plays out on the streets of New York City.
Bella is spiraling into self-destruction until her negativity is transformed when she meets her new acquaintances: Jessica Pimentel as the fierce Marta and Ramin Karimloo as the mysterious Owais. The film features an outstanding ensemble cast, with Jaye Alexander delivering a standout performance as Standerick in his exciting film debut. His “keep it real” attitude is every wake up call a young woman needs at some point. Alexander delivers the line, “you need to eat, sleep, and a new perspective” with such precision and emotional depth that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him recognized for it. Each character carries their own story and shares personal trauma, ultimately relying on one another to help Bella escape and find her peace.
We are gradually drawn into each character's story as Woofter takes his time with the narrative. He captivates his audience through dramatic angles and dissolve shots, maintaining engagement throughout. In a clever touch, Woofter makes a cameo in the film, further blurring the lines between director and character, much like Scorsese and Tarantino.
Woofter skillfully tackles heavy topics, intertwining issues of abuse, mental illness, suicide, death, substance addiction, and sexual assault with commendable sensitivity. It would be premature to label Isaac Hirotsu Woofter as firmly established in the thriller genre. He has a strong potential to master various genres, but if he continues to pursue thrillers, I anticipate he will elevate the intensity and sharpen the focus on his narrative arcs. This involves crafting more complex characters that challenge his actors, showcasing his ability in amplifying their performances through his direction.
Ultimately, Bound prompts its audience to reflect on the morality and personal cost of such actions, encouraging a deeper understanding of the choices we make.
