Rebuilding

Cheer up, cowboy!

Put on your best cowboy hats, because Rebuilding takes us straight into the gorgeous, wild, and brutally beautiful state of Colorado to be sad for a while.

The film follows Dusty, a cowboy who loses his family farm in a wildfire. And from that point on, he isn’t just forced to figure out where to live—he has to figure out how to live. He needs to confront himself, rebuild his connection with the world around him, and most importantly, reconnect with his daughter. This is a story about a good father living in a complicated world. And this complexity and emotional crossroads becomes the true starting point of the film.

The plot begins with the loss of a ranch—something his ancestors built, something that essentially was his life and routine—but it quickly becomes clear that this tragedy is just a catapult. A push toward understanding that Dusty has been relying far too heavily on himself, slowly losing his sense of belonging and drifting away from people, from community, from his daughter. And that is where the film’s real heart lies. It shows how sometimes in life you need to start over. And you often have to start over more than once. Problems don’t queue politely; they pile on top of each other. And even those who find comfort in solitude must, at the very least, remember that there are people and communities around them who can help.

The film, directed by Max Walker-Silverman, tells this story with incredible delicacy and tenderness. It’s a portrait of human empathy—of knowing how to accept help when you need it, and offering help simply because that’s how good human relationships work. Rebuilding reminds us that to “rebuild” doesn’t mean returning to what once was. It means growing with it. It means being willing to be vulnerable. It means trying, at least a little, to be better than you were yesterday. It also gently reminds us to respect nature and never underestimate its power—because we are guests here, never the hosts.

Despite centering on what is likely the most difficult moment of a person’s life, the film is filled with quiet optimism and soft light. You can’t help but feel a sense of reverence for what’s happening on screen, because you’re watching people who live completely different lives yet all want to be better—for themselves, for their children, for the people around them. The cast creates a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes this emotional world feel real. In some ways, the film has the effect of Normal People: everything is so simple and realistic that it hits you straight in the heart. Yes, there are a few flatter moments that don’t dig as deep as they could, but they absolutely do not diminish the gentle, touching power of the film. Because what Rebuilding does brilliantly is show human empathy. And if that’s something you value even a little, this cozy, small-budget, deeply inspiring film will resonate with you.

And speaking of the cast—Josh O’Connor as the cowboy father is absolutely adorable in the role. Even though he lost everything, he remains delicate and refuses to be broken, when everything seemed to be pushing him toward that point. On screen he looks almost fragile, cracked at the edges, as if he might fall apart at any moment. But when he finally opens himself up to his family and the people around him, he realizes that there is always something bigger to hold on to. Lily LaTorre is wonderful as Dusty’s daughter—she’s an absolute sweetheart on screen, and seeing such a confident performance from a ten-year-old is a joy. Amy Madigan, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis—the whole small cast fits perfectly into their roles, building exactly the atmosphere this story needs.

Ultimately, Rebuilding is something all of us seem to need right now—something a little melodramatic, but full of hope and care.

8.5/10

Thanks to Ritual Films Canada for the screener. Please catch the movie in cinemas if you’re in Canada from December 19, or in the US right now. The rest of the world is TBA.