Quest Unites Friends in Emotional Healing
TV PILOT REVIEW
Remixed
–
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 23m
Director(s): Mitch Yapko
Writer(s): Lauren Leon, Frank A. Leon
Cast: Lauren Leon, Emily Bolcik, Jose Duran, Jon Chaffin, Zackry Colston, Michael Lanning, Suanne Spoke
Where To Watch: premieres July 1, 2023, at Dances with Film; tickets available here www.danceswithfilms.com; learn more about the film here www.instagram.com
RAVING REVIEW: REMIXED, a dramedy TV pilot delicately blended with elements of heartfelt emotion, is a moving journey of self-exploration spurred by an accidental discovery that unveils a deep-seated transformation in its central characters. The narrative bubbles with raw feelings, punctuated with light humor, striking a chord with everyone who watches.
REMIXED opens with Liz Porter-Costas, played by Lauren Leon, caught in the intricate web of life's trials. Once brimming with energy and optimism, Liz finds her life subdued under the weight of strained marriage and the impending responsibility of motherhood. Seeking solace in the echoing hallways of her past, she stumbles upon an old friend, Aubrey (Emily Bolcik,) and a long-forgotten treasure chest brimming with relics of her deceased brother, Owen.
The chest, housing an array of CDs from Owen, ignites a flame of adventure in Liz, Aubrey, and their acquaintance, Isaac Romero (Jose Duran.) These CDs aren't mere mementos of Owen's life; they serve as a roadmap to an extraordinary adventure Owen envisaged for his friends. Embarking on this youthful journey, the trio finds a cathartic avenue to grapple with lingering emotional wounds from Owen's untimely demise.
REMIXED weaves a riveting narrative fabric of joy, exhilaration, and raw human sentiments, interspersed with the touching narrative of companionship and personal evolution through collective experiences. The series admirably captures the metamorphosis of characters as they wrestle with the remnants of grief and find shared solace in their quest.
Emily Bolcik is a standout in the role of Aubrey Rogers, personifying steadfast loyalty amidst the personal upheaval. Despite battling chronic disease and a tendency to repress her emotions, she stands as an unwavering pillar of support for Liz, guiding her through the maze of fears. Isaac presents a character alternating between comedic escapism and an honest portrayal of often-overlooked personal battles. After Owen's demise, Isaac retreats, allowing guilt to shroud his aspirations. However, the journey sparked by Owen's secret message challenges Isaac to shed his inhibitions, face his flaws, and embark on a journey of self-enhancement.
Despite his absence on screen, Owen, voiced by Zackry Colston, remains integral, continuing to mold his friends' lives. Owen, known for his stimulating yet enlightening challenges, and his abrupt death caused ripples in his friends' lives. His spirit, however, lives on through the quest he left behind, invigorating his friends and keeping his essence alive among them.
Lauren Leon, the creative force behind REMIXED, spins a narrative tapestry enriched with personal experiences. Owen's character reflects the spirit of her late brother Ian, infused with her experiences from the 90s and early 2000s in the San Fernando Valley and her navigation through the sea of grief. Amidst a world grappling with a universal crisis, Leon's creation underlines the significance of finding specks of joy in lonely times.
The TV pilot's director, Mitch Yapko, applauds REMIXED's honest depiction of life beyond loss. He commends the series' endeavor to mirror reality and sow seeds of hope amid personal turmoil. In Yapko's view, REMIXED is an homage to life's tenacity, underlining the enduring impact of those we've lost. His hope for the series is to comfort its viewers, reminding them they're not navigating their struggles alone and that a brighter tomorrow is always on the horizon. I can’t wait for more!
For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.
Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.
I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.
[photo courtesy of WAY FEATHER MEDIA]
Average Rating