A young woman fights to break free from the devastating chains of oppression in writer/director Isaac Hirotsu Woofter‘s Bound. This award-winning drama explores the depths of resilience through the eyes of an introvert who must confront her dark past to finally be free. Backed by a forceful and controlled performance from actor Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, Bound is a ruthless yet compassionate story of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Rebuilding Your Life, Piece By Piece

Bella (Alexandra Faye Sadeghian) sits alone, staring at a piece of paper that once had the potential to change her life. The college acceptance letter that she was waiting for, but never received, now appears in front of her eyes. It’s no surprise to Bella why she never received the letter. She knows it was purposefully hidden by her controlling and drug-dealing stepfather, Gordy (Bryant Carroll). Vowing not to let Gordy interfere with her life ever again, Bella flees to New York City with nothing more than her person and pet flying squirrel, Bandit.

Watch the Bound trailer here.

Bella’s problems don’t immediately disappear once in NYC. With no money, friends, shelter, or clear direction, she takes this opportunity to start over. She befriends a local bartender, Marta (Jessica Pimentel), and a few other misfits who quickly become her “chosen family.” As the days pass, Bella’s confidence grows, and she finally feels at peace. However, it doesn’t last long, as Bella soon discovers that Marta and Gordy have a relationship that threatens to disrupt her livelihood again. This prompts Bella to devise a plan to take Gordy out of her life forever.

Emotion is the Driving Force

Bound has all of the elements of a grounded and gritty dramatic thriller. Cinematographers Maximilian Lewin and Jake Simpson take the audience into the trenches as we observe Bella in the depths of her depression and struggle. This is amplified by the handheld camerawork, which makes up most of the film. The production design is another standout. At the beginning of the film, there is a close-up on a sign that reads “Bella’s Treehouse + Zoo”. It hangs on the structure where Bella first discovers the hidden college acceptance letter. The sign itself evokes memories of childhood innocence, presumably a simpler time for Bella. At the peak of her frustration, she throws the sign in the river, which signifies an immediate coming of age. Bella is not a child anymore. She has to take her life–and what happens to her–into her own hands.

Takeaway

It’s a scary thing to face your demons. As filmmaker Isaac Hirotsu Woofter portrays in Bound, sometimes that is the only way to truly break free. Says Woofter, “I wrote Bound to remind people that no matter what level of adversity we face, it’s OK to cry, to admit defeat, to ask for help; because we are not alone. With the right kind of support, things can and will get better.”

Bound will open theatrically in select markets Friday, May 16, including Los Angeles and New York City, for weeklong runs. The same day, audiences across North America can rent or own Bound on VOD, including Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, iNDEMAND, and Vubiquity.