# Bound (2023 film)

Bound (sometimes stylized "BOUND") is a 2023 American crime-drama/thriller and feature directorial debut from former Broadway actor turned screenwriter, Isaac Hirotsu Woofter. The indie film is about a homeless runaway who gets back on her feet with the help of some “found family” before returning home to confront her dark past..
Bound is loosely based on true events from lead actress Alexandra Faye Sadeghian's childhood that left her battling trauma. The film cover topics like mental illness and family.
The story takes place in and around New York City, but most of the filming took place in New Jersey.

## Synopsis

When Bella discovers that her mentally ill uncle/stepfather, Gordy, hid her college acceptance letter, she kicks him out of the house, believing it to be for good. However, when her mother, Yeva, allows Gordy back, Bella and her pocket squirrel, Bandit, flee to New York City with no money, no friends and no plan to return.
In New York, Bella finds support from Marta, an undocumented immigrant; Owais, a lonely veteran; and Standrick, an insecure clothing designer. Bella begins to thrive until she uncovers an unlikely and horrifying connection. This revelation drives Bella to act impulsively without consulting her new “found family,” resulting in devastating consequences.
Bella and her friends devise dangerous plan to break free from Gordy. The plan fluctuates between success and failure, ultimately finding resolution with the help of an unexpected person.

## Cast

The ensemble is made up mostly of diverse veteran stage actors, including 5 Broadway performers; Karimloo, Carroll, Tewari, Woofter, Mohseni (who makes her Broadway debut in 2025), and Bandit, a live flying squirrel (aka sugar glider).
* Ramin Karimloo as Owais
* Jessica Pimentel as Marta
* Bryant Carroll as Gordy
* Pooya Mohseni as Yeva
* Alexandra Faye Sadeghian as Bella
* Jaye Alexander as Standrick
* Josh Alscher as Donnie
* Alok Tewari as Shoaib
* Miguel Izaguirre as Cesar
* Ethan Herschenfeld as Tariq
* Bandit as Bandit

## Reviews

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Bound has an 90% approval rating, based on ten reviews.
ReviewRon's Ronak Kotecha states that although "the last few scenes seem implausible...the complexity and depth of this film is definitely worth the price of admission."
Tony Asankomah of GH Movie Freak says "Bound is sure to leave viewers with a profound reflection on the human capacity for change and the strength found in shared struggles...however, it might not pack enough to win over all audiences."
Vague Visages's Q.V. Hough, says "...the feature directorial debut from actor Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, spotlights the struggles of fringe society characters but falls apart with its confusing editing and narrative structure."
Dan Lybarger of Film Threat wrote that "New York has been filmed a lot over the last century and a half, but if Bound is any indication, the city that never sleeps has more promising tales to come."

## Festival run and awards

Bound had its world premiere at the Regal Cinema in Union Square and will play festivals throughout 2024.
| Festival | Premiere | Date | Awards Wins/Noms |
| Dances with Films: NY | World Premiere | Nov 30, Dec 2, 2023 | Grand Jury (nom), Audience Award (nom) |
| Dances with Films: LA | West Coast Premiere | Jun 22, 2024 | Grand Jury (nom), Audience Award (nom) |
| Northeast Film Festival | New Jersey Premiere | Sept 7, 2024 | Best Film (win), Audience Choice (win), Best Actress (win), Best Director (nom), Best Supporting Actress (nom) |
| Breck Film Fest | Colorado Premiere | Sept 20, 2024 | Best Ensemble (win), Best Screenplay (nom) |
| Newport Beach Film Festival | Newport Premiere | Oct 18, 2024 | Grand Jury (nom), Audience Award (nom) |
| Shockfest Film Festival | | | Honorable Mention (win) |
| Bahamas International Film Festival | International Premiere | Nov 16, 2024 | Best Actress (win), Best Feature (nom) |
| Meliora Film Fest | | Nov 16, 2024 | Grand Prize (win), Best Feature (win), Best Director (win), Best Ensemble (win), Best Screenplay (win), Best Actress (nom), Best Supporting Actor x2 (nom), Best Song (nom) |
| Big Apple Film Festival | | Nov 20, 2024 | Best Feature Film (nom) |
| SF Indie Fest | San Francisco Premiere | Feb 8, 2025 | Best Film (nom), Audience Award (nom) |
| Santa Fe Film Festival | New Mexico Premiere | Feb 19, 2025 | Best Dramatic Feature (nom), Best First Time Director (nom), Best Ensemble (nom), Best Actor X2 (nom), Best Screenplay (nom), Cinematography (nom), Best Sound (nom), Best Editor (nom) |
| Beaufort International Film Festival | South Carolina Premiere | Feb 21, 2025 | Best Film (nom), Best Director (nom), Best Ensemble (nom), Best Actress (nom), Best Score/Soundtrack (nom), Audience Award (nom) |
| Phoenix Film Festival | Arizona Premiere | Mar 28, 30, Apr 3, 2025 | Audience Award (nom) |