Bound, the thriller drama by Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, is an independent movie that doesn’t look like an independent movie. From the score to the cinematography, everything in Woofter’s creation resembles the influences he has gathered in order to accomplish a well-rounded movie. Yes, it does comply with the rules of indie cinema, but the director doesn’t make it apparent. It is worth mentioning because Bound could have been an entirely different film if it had focused exclusively on its story, and not in the execution of the idea.
The film follows Bella, a young woman living with her mother Yeva and her stepfather Gordy. Gordy is not a stable man. He has a mental condition, and is abusive towards Bella and Yeva. Bella decides to run away from her home to New York City. Joined by her pet squirrel, Bella encounters a city of absolute depravity, but somehow she finds herself making a connection with a few strangers. Bella gets her life together, until she finds a connection between her new life and Gordy. Impulsively, she decides to act. Bella returns to her hometown to stand against Gordy and, once and for all, get rid of her traumatic past.
Woofter’s script takes us on a beautiful journey where Bella finds happiness. One that she deserves, of course. Her smile is warm, and her optimism is tangible. However, Bella reacts easily. Even a phone call triggers her towards erratic violence that leaves everyone in utter shock, but even these rage bursts are enough to make her new family discard her. They believe in her. But then, the film becomes something else.
I won’t spoil what happens, but Bound becomes a completely different film halfway through. What was an unsettling coming-of-age movie becomes a bleak thriller that exposes Woofter’s other intentions. Bound is also a movie about mental health, and how it’s mostly misunderstood as something that can be controlled with will. The story is as unforgiving as the reality it’s trying to depict. In Bound, there is good. But you will only find it beyond a plethora of morally flawed characters.
The final act is a bit rushed, but it does deliver its message. Bella only seeks justice, and despite the incongruencies of the conclusion, she finds what she was looking for. Is it too late for her? We all deserve second chances, but some scars will never heal unless we let time heal them.
The film is led by a very good actor named Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, whose range seems to be the perfect fit for the tonally mixed approach of Bound. I need to see more of her and, hopefully, this’ll be the movie that puts her in the spotlight as a versatile performer who can be effective in every genre. Supporting actors include Ramin Karimloo, Jessica Pimentel, Bryant Carroll, Pooya Mohseni, Jaye Alexander, Alok Tewari and Miguel Izaguirre, among others.
Film critic. Lover of all things horror. Member of the OFCS. RT Approved Critic.
