'Over the Board' Review: The Bell Brothers on Screen—A Riveting Tale of Chess, Brotherhood, and Redemption

Nicole’s Rating: ★★★★★

Issac and Elijah Bell, known as the Bell Brothers, captivated audiences at the Newport Beach Film Festival with their latest short film, "Over the Board." Beautifully written and directed by Emiliano Balado, the film explores the dynamic between a good and bad seed as they navigate life as twins.

The film begins with Eric (Elijah Bell), who has spent three and a half years in jail. With only a few months left until his release, Eric’s world is about to get even more chaotic. Just when he thinks it couldn't turn more upside down, his long-lost twin Ian (Issac Bell) arrives to turn his life right side up. Much like their characters, the Bell Brothers are twins themselves; in this role, they reflect on where life went wrong—or right, in Ian's case. It’s both powerful and poignant to see them connect over a game of chess. Despite never having met before, they share a deep love for the game—"mind against mind"—reconnecting with a part of their lives that was taken from them. Siblings can be competitive, but if they learn to work together, they become an unstoppable force.

As the film progresses, one of the most impactful scenes occurs when Eric is released from jail. All he has is his brother. A commendable effort from the cinematographer and director, the film begins in black and white and concludes in color, creating a powerful symbolic contrast. The final scene is riveting, leaving viewers eager for a continuation.

The filmmakers are actively seeking distribution while making waves on the festival circuit, garnering attention and excitement with each screening. "Over the Board" will be premiering at the Tucson Film Festival, Yellowknife International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Lee Strasberg Film Festival, and S.E. Manly African American Film Festival.

It's a pleasure to see the Bell Brothers carving out their own path. They aren't the type of actors to sit back and wait for a call; they take initiative through their production company, Bell Entertainment. They both possess a strong on-camera presence, beautifully juxtaposed against each other. One thing is for certain: if you weren't familiar with the Bell Brothers before, know this: Isaac and Elijah Bell are doing it their way.