Reeling: American Parent

Chicago filmmaker Emily Railsback crafts a heartfelt tale of two mothers navigating the trials of parenthood and personal identity in the wake of COVID. This indie family drama, set in the heart of Chicago, captures the couple's struggle with job loss, financial instability, and the balance of personal and relationship life. As they face the potential loss of their apartment and the breakdown of their newly purchased car, a job offer emerges that could alleviate their financial stress but would require a move to a rural, conservative area. In her narrative feature debut, Railsbackâ??s cinéma-vérité style allows for strong, often improvised performances, in this poignant exploration of everyday humor, disappointments, and the enduring power of love within an American family.