Josh O’Connor Shines in Max Walker-Silverman’s “Rebuilding”: A Heartfelt Tale of Resilience
In the poignant new drama “Rebuilding,” British actor Josh O’Connor trades his royal garb for a cowboy hat as he journeys to Colorado. O’Connor stars alongside Meghann Fahy from “The White Lotus,” Kali Reis of “True Detective: Night Country,” and newcomer Lily LaTorre. Director Max Walker-Silverman shares his admiration for O’Connor, stating, “I truly love that man. In roles like ‘The Crown’ or ‘La Chimera,’ he grappled with the confines of formal masculinity. While Prince Charles embodies a different type of masculinity than a Colorado rancher, the challenges they face are quite similar.”
O’Connor portrays Dusty, a rancher whose life is turned upside down after a devastating wildfire destroys his home. As he struggles to provide for his young daughter, he finds solace within a tight-knit community that is also working to rebuild. Walker-Silverman emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity in crafting such intimate, regional films. He praises his talented cast, particularly Fahy for her ability to embody both strength and fragility, and Reis for her unique background as a professional boxer, bridging the gap between seasoned actors and those new to the craft.
The film unites an eclectic ensemble, with O’Connor hailing from the U.K., LaTorre from Australia, and a diverse group of local ranchers, farmers, and teachers from Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Walker-Silverman, a Colorado native himself, reflects on how his personal experiences with loss and disaster inspired the film. “Loss often brings out a nurturing side of humanity,” he explains. “When tragedy strikes, people care for one another, often forming connections with neighbors they never knew before. It’s a beautiful and mysterious aspect of human nature.”
“Rebuilding,” produced by Jesse Hope, Dan Janvey, and Paul Mezey for Present Company and co-produced by Cow Hip Films and Dead End Pictures, is making its return to the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, this time competing in the main category. Walker-Silverman acknowledges the film’s relevance in light of ongoing climate crises. “As I wrote the script during a summer filled with wildfires, it became apparent that climate change is not a distant concern; it’s our reality,” he notes. Yet, he also highlights the resilience of life, stating, “Even in the aftermath of disaster, we often find beauty in the process of recovery and reimagination.”
His own life has been shaped by the complexities of home. “My mom lives just three blocks to the west, and my dad lives three blocks to the east. I feel privileged to create in the place where I grew up,” he shares. Walker-Silverman believes that imperfections can deepen our love for a place. “Many feel they shouldn’t love a place because of its flaws, but I’ve learned that true love often exists in the face of imperfection.”
He also discusses the power of regional cinema, asserting that specificity can resonate universally. “If you try to tell a story that appeals to everyone, it often loses its impact. However, when you focus on a specific narrative with care, it can touch people from all walks of life,” he explains.
In “Rebuilding,” while the characters may struggle to articulate their feelings, their journey is fundamentally about connection. Walker-Silverman notes, “Even though the film features minimal dialogue, it’s deeply rooted in the themes of connection and the weight of unspoken emotions.”
Through “Rebuilding,” audiences can expect a heartfelt exploration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of love in the aftermath of loss.
