Photo credit: movieweb.com
Alan Ritchson’s journey in the entertainment industry has seen him evolve from his early role in the 2008 indie film Rex to becoming a marquee name in the action genre, particularly with his leading part in the acclaimed series Reacher available on Prime Video. The film Rex, a neo-western thriller, is so obscure that it has raised questions about its very existence, leaving many fans wondering if they will ever have the opportunity to view it.
Despite Ritchson’s current success and popularity, the enigma surrounding Rex is palpable. As audiences are engrossed in Ritchson’s performances on Reacher, attention has turned to uncovering the details about Rex, including its plot, production challenges, and how it fits into Ritchson’s developing career. This analysis aims to shed light on Rex and consider whether the obscurity of the film has impacted Ritchson’s trajectory.
What Is ‘Rex’ About?
Rex is directed by Christopher L. Miller, marking his feature debut. It follows the story of Chase, portrayed by Ritchson, a young man from Rex, Georgia, who is compelled to protect his family’s farm from a corrupt sheriff named Bobby, played by Daniel Roebuck. This sheriff previously framed Chase’s father two decades prior, seeking revenge and land seizure.
As Chase grapples with his familial and romantic entanglements, he finds himself in a tumultuous love triangle with his best friend’s girlfriend, Dee, and the added pressure of illicit activities, including meth production in his home. With his mother in declining health, Chase struggles to balance his responsibilities while devising a plan to safeguard his family’s legacy.
What Happened to ‘Rex’?
Made on a modest budget estimated at $100,000, Rex was filmed around Atlanta, Georgia. Despite the genuine effort put into its production, the film suffered from a lack of distribution, leaving it in limbo since its completion in 2008. Miller’s career didn’t gain the traction he hoped for, as he continued to work on low-budget projects without substantial success.
Seventeen years have passed, yet Rex remains virtually unseen. This obscurity has prompted speculation about the film’s fate and the potential reasons behind its lack of accessibility.
Does Rex Even Exist?
While the existence of Rex might have been doubted by some, it is indeed a real film. A trailer has surfaced online, featuring Ritchson in his early acting days. This low-resolution footage showcases the film’s independent roots as well as Ritchson’s early attempts at embodying a Southern character, reflecting his heritage.
Interestingly, Rex did find some accolades on the festival circuit in the years following its completion, winning awards including the Audience Choice Award at the Long Island Film Festival and a Jury Prize awarded to Robin Anne Phipps for her performance. These recognitions hint at a potential that was never fully realized on a broader scale.
Being Unable To Watch ‘Rex’ Is a Positive
For many fans of Ritchson, the allure of Rex lies in its rarity, yet viewing it may not be as enticing as it seems. The quality of the film, as highlighted in the trailer, suggests a production riddled with amateurish performances and low-quality filmmaking that could overshadow Ritchson’s later successes. Even with festival acclaim, the trailer hints at a production that may not resonate well with current audiences. Given Ritchson’s remarkable growth as an actor, the decision to keep Rex under wraps may ultimately serve his reputation better than a public release would.
The film’s obscurity acts as a protective layer for the artist Ritchson has become, allowing his current projects to shine without the shadow of his earlier works. While there’s curiosity about a possible release, it might be more beneficial for Ritchson’s evolving career to maintain the veil of mystery surrounding Rex, leaving the past where it belongs as he continues to claim his crown in the action genre with Reacher.
Source
movieweb.com