In Noah Sellman’s short film Rest Stop, a mother and son struggle to survive in a world that is rapidly changing around them. In the not-so-distant future, Gabriel Rivas and Marilyn Brett play Ben and his mother, Joanie, who run a rest stop in the middle of the desert consisting of a diner, convenience store, and gas station.
With the complete switchover to electric cars, the pair have not had a customer in days and fear their location will become obsolete. That is if it is not already. So, desperate for business, the son pulls out the family’s classic Mustang hoping to sell photos with this memorabilia from the past.
“…Ben and his mother, Joanie, who run a rest stop in the middle of the desert…”
Rest Stop hits on a theme that many face amid technological advancement. It’s this feeling of personal obsolescence. Some are able to advance in a rapidly changing world, but many just don’t have the resources to catch up. One poignant moment occurs when Ben laments that they may not have enough money to keep the business running, and Joanie responds by saying they may not have enough money to leave.
Noah Sellman hits all the right notes and emotions with Rest Stop. The short itself looks impressive and professional. Each shot was planned perfectly, along with superb performances from Rivas and Brett, to tell this touching family drama. The film has much to say about hope and freedom without ever having to say it outright.
For more information, visit the Rest Stop Instagram page.
"…much to say about hope and freedom..."
