With a pandemic wreaking havoc on the world around them, one family must do all that they can to stay together, protect one another, and survive. However, when they suspect that one or more of the family members may have been infected by the disease, one that is spread via the internet, they begin to question their realities and one another–leading to a series of difficult conversations and scenarios for the close-knit family unit. Red River Road, rather than focusing on the physical struggles of a pandemic, focuses on the mental and emotional trials and tribulations–making genuine connections with viewers and making it accessible to all.
Written, Directed, and brought to life almost entirely by one single family, the Schyler’s, Red River Road is one of the most unique approaches toward filmmaking that I’ve ever seen. Not only is it unique, but it must have been incredibly difficult for them to achieve their goals throughout the course of production. I struggle to get my family together for dinner without a series of hurdles presenting themselves–developing an entire film from start to finish seems like an Everest-esque hurdle, one that is nearly insurmountable. If nothing else, kudos to this family for being able to bring Red River Road to life.
Furthermore, Red River Road is created so artistically and efficiently. With the inability to go out and film new footage with new people (because they were in the midst of an actual pandemic)–they found ways to incorporate footage from old family videos for dream sequences, creating an intentionally eerie, but perfectly cohesive film. There are times when the narrative feels fractured, it’s not, but the story itself is sometimes difficult to follow. Seeing these seemingly smaller pieces work so well with the rest of the film offsets what might initially be deemed a struggle, and it propels Red River Road toward success.
Red River Road is low budget, there’s no doubt about that–but the Schuyler family does a wonderful job of creating a film that overcomes the struggles that typically befall a low-budget, independent film. The lighting is fantastic, they make the best of the space they have available to them, and the family does a wonderful job of bringing emotion to life. Nearly everything about Red River Road is appealing to viewers, and the cast and crew does an impeccable job of manipulating every piece of the puzzle so that it fits just right. I was once told that directors are problem solvers, that they are often tasked with a series of hurdles that they must clear, and that the best directors are able to make due with whatever they are given. Director Paul Schuyler proves that he has what it takes to be a director. I’m not entirely sure that P. Schuyler’s goal is to make it big in Hollywood–but the fact of the matter is that if he is able to create a film from scratch, fully in the throes of COVID-19, then he has what it takes to make it big if he so chooses.
Red River Road is so amazingly constructed. With little time and little in terms of what Schuyler and his family had available to them throughout the course of filming–what they are able to bring to life is truly incredible. Sure P. Schuyler is the mastermind behind Red River Road, but to get the kind of love, attention, and dedication that his wife and two sons were willing to give him is more than I think most even consider a possibility. P. Schuyler is masterful in his writing and his direction–and he is the catalyst that ultimately propels Red River Road forward.
Written & Directed by Paul Schuyler.
Starring Paul Schuyler, Jade Schuyler, Quinn Schuyler, Shaw Schuyler, Brody, & Art Devine.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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