The Wasteland Reviewer

Rebuilding (2025) Written Review

What would you do if (almost) your whole life burnt up in a fire? This type of disaster happens to so many people as nature shows its might and leaves humanity in shambles from its power. Trying to rebuild your life feels like it could be an insurmountable mission. There will be dark moments when someone might give up but there is one thing that can help anyone weather such a (sometimes literal) storm. Community. Family. Other people lean on and share this trauma can go a long way to getting you back on track. That is the harrowing tale that Max Walker-Silverman tackles in his neo-western drama, Rebuilding. 

How does Walker-Silverman craft an engrossing tale out of such a tragic situation? The film centers on the journey of Dusty, a cowboy who has lost his ranch to a massive fire. This cleansing force of nature took so much from him as well as a small community of others. They are all taken to a trailer park set up by FEMA and the journey of healing builds from there. Walker-Silverman crafts a script that is rich in texture without beating the audience over the head with exposition. There are some powerful lines of dialogue with such depth and layers. When it comes to Dusty’s daughter and ex-wife, there is a lot to their story. What works so well is how Walker-Silverman navigates these without overexplaining which allows the audience to be in the drama of this tragedy fully. The heart of the film is Dusty reconnecting with his daughter which inspires his drive to keep fighting. There are other significant familial dynamics and tragedy that adds layers to Dusty’s story. Walker-Silverman does such a great job of balancing Dusty’s personal journey as well as the greater themes of the healing powers of the community. The overall narrative is simple, but Walker-Silverman does wonders to explore the dramatic elements of the story. This is a harrowing and tragic tale but there is a heart and soul that breeds hope which makes Rebuilding such a powerful experience. 

How does Walker-Silverman’s work in the director’s chair add depth and layers to his screenplay? This film is a gorgeous and stark look at its Colorado setting. Walker-Silverman takes the time to explore the natural beauty of the area while also highlighting the devastation of the fire that initiates the events of the film. Cinematographer Alfonso Herrera Salcedo understands how to explore a space to capture the subtleties of the scene. There is a beautiful intimacy in the way that Rebuilding is captured. The visual storytelling from Walker-Silverman is quite impressive as well. The pace of the film is rich even when Walker-Silverman knows when to slow things down and live in the moment with this small, vulnerable community of people trying to find a new path forward. One of the most memorable and impactful technical aspects of Walker-Silverman’s film is the score. The duo of James Elkington and Jake Xerxes Fussell create one of the most evocative and moving scores of the year. The balancing of electric and acoustic guitar as well as banjo gives this a rustic, western tinge while packing an empathic punch of emotion along the way.

Does O’Connor and the rest of this cast match the work of Walker-Silverman? O’Connor performance is an excellent mixture of brooding and vulnerability. There is a somber acceptance of closure that engulfs Dusty and O’Connor navigates his slow journey back to life with those around him so well. O’Connor’s performance is quite empathetic, which allows the audience to feel for him too deeply. Meghann Fahy is a strong presence as she brings Dusty’s ex-wife, Ruby, to life with nuance and layers (unlike many roles like this in similar films). Amy Madigan is a strong veteran presence as Ruby’ mother. Madigan’s Bess makes the most of her time on screen and her absence injects plenty of emotion along the way. Young Lily LaTorre is excellent with a genuine and endearing child performance as Dusty’s daughter, Callie-Rose. The rest of the cast is so authentic as well, but Kali Reis is the last big standout. Reis feels so raw and real portraying a fellow victim of this fire. Her undefined dynamic with Dusty develops so organically and naturally on due to their impressive chemistry together. 

Is Rebuilding a sleeper drama waiting to happen? There is certainly not enough buzz for this absolute gem. Walker-Silverman has crafted a beautiful, moving, and engrossing neo-western drama that grabs you and never let’s go. The performances are impressive with O’Connor delivering another powerful leading turn that will keep his star rising. Community, love, and family are the core of this film and Rebuilding is a powerful exploration of all of them.