Unexpected Encounters Leading to Life-Altering Bonds

Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Rub
NR (adult content) –

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Christopher Fox
Writer(s): Christopher Fox
Cast: Micah Spyer, Jennifer Figuereo
Where To Watch: available on Cable VOD and Digital HD starting August 1, 2023, from Entertainment Squad

RAVING REVIEW: Directed by the creative prowess of Christopher Fox, this tale is no ordinary drama. It brings to life the story of Neal, a character whose persona is imbued with realism by the exceptional acting skills of Micah Spayer. Picture Neal as your everyday Joe, an introvert plagued by isolation, work issues, and a dry spell regarding a romantic life. His existence feels like a free fall from a towering skyscraper.

A seemingly innocuous visit to a massage parlor pivots Neal's life off its predictable axis. Here, he crosses paths with Perla, a character that Jennifer Figuereo breathes life into with remarkable emotional depth. Don't be fooled; she is far from your stereotypical masseuse. Instead, she is one of many trapped in the harsh realities of the sex trade. But as the plot unfolds, Perla transforms into a pillar of support in Neal's barren life, their connection blooming from shared experiences and hardship.

As the cinematic tension escalates, Neal, driven by a newfound purpose, puts himself in harm's way to liberate Perla from her difficult situation. The pair find themselves caught in a nerve-racking cat-and-mouse chase, a journey fraught with dangers yet illuminated by the growing bond between them.

As a result of the 2020 worldwide pandemic, RUB was conceived in a world wrestling with isolation and mental health woes. Fox's creative vision for this film transcends the ordinary, offering an intriguing love story born from society's unattended fissures. But don't be mistaken; RUB is not just a gripping saga. It ventures bravely into societal issues like the plague of human trafficking and isolation. Yet amidst this bleakness, the narrative uncovers glimmers of transformation, demonstrating how adversity can instigate significant shifts in life trajectories.

RUB draws inspiration from the infamous narrative of BONNIE AND CLYDE yet pushes the boundaries of this archetype. It explores how two characters from contrasting backgrounds can profoundly influence each other’s lives. Stripped down to its core, RUB is a journey into the world of chance encounters and the domino effects they trigger. Fox delivers a narrative that combines stark realism with empathetic storytelling, unearthing the gritty realities that lurk in the hidden alleys of society. A central theme of the film underscores how even a single misstep can set off a cascade of life-altering changes. Similar to the butterfly effect, an idea that small things can have non-linear impacts on a complex system. The concept is imagined as a butterfly flapping its wings and ultimately causing a typhoon.

In conclusion, RUB offers a compelling blend of drama, societal critique, and insight into human connection. Fox persuasively shows how unexpected encounters can forge unlikely bonds, leading to transformative experiences. This film weaves a powerful story that places two individuals in the eye of a storm, finding comfort and solace in each other despite the chaos surrounding them. RUB is an insightful and entertaining cinematic offering, making it a must-watch for audiences. Spyer and Figuereo deliver two of my favorite performances of the year.

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 ENTERTAINMENT SQUAD]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong