REWIND, which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2019, has gathered attention in both the festival circuit and among critics, and for good reason. The documentary received the Special Jury Mention at Tribeca and also played at BFI London, Traverse City Film Festival, Heartland International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival and Nashville Film Festival. Set to open in NY at the IFC Center on March 27th, the film’s release was unfortunately postponed due to the covid-19 outbreak. See details at the end of this article for VOD release and broadcast premiere.
While the film follows a relatively traditional documentary style, there is an interesting juxtaposition of home footage against present-day interviews. Neulinger makes it clear from the start that his father’s video camera plays a complex role in this film; his mother even describes the camera as a “buffer” that kept his father distant from the family as he (and the camera) watched his children grow up. The camera tells a story just by virtue of recording, exposing the mundane, the explosive, and the sentimental.
Interestingly, Neulinger does not directly speak his truth to the camera, but rather, the narrative unfolds through home video, and through the voices of those who were involved in his (and his sister’s) case. His mother, father, psychiatrist, detective, and attorneys help bring the story out of him. After all, he was a very young boy when everything happened. I am amazed that he is able to recall any of these memories and in awe of his bravery.
In the case of Sasha Neulinger and his sister, Bekah, the sexual abuse started early. It is almost impossible to watch the anguish inflicted on this family, and yet I found myself glued to the screen, angrily wanting justice for the children. Neulinger knows how to pace the film in a way that keeps the audience engaged, like a mystery unfolding.
With moments of pause between chaotic times of agony and despair, the film reflects a sort of healing arc, as Neulinger revisits his past, both figuratively and literally. We see Neulinger hug his sister, sit in nature, and speak earnestly with his parents. This is a man who has been through literal hell and has somehow stayed alive to tell his story. We need more stories like this to be told, more attention to the dark sides of life that matter as much as the bright.
The take-away? Neulinger knows how to unveil history while keeping the viewer attentive, listening, and open-heartedly watching as each event takes place. This is a talented director from whom I am excited to see more projects come forward!
Rewind, directed by Sasha Joseph Neulinger, had its VOD release through FilmRise on May 8th, 2020 and will have its broadcast premiere on May 11th, 2020 through PBS Independent Lens.
