This well-intended horror drama needs better medical treatment.
“Rounding” was made in between the releases of “Saint Frances” and “Ghostlight,” which were co-directed by Alex Thompson. Maybe that’s why this movie is finally seeing the light of day in the independent circuit after 3 years. Unfortunately, as much as I admire the filmmaker and his partner Kelly O’Sullivan (who also has a small role here), I felt “Rounding” is inferior to their more entertaining and original small pieces.
You start to feel that maybe the film is well-intended, as a young doctor named James Hayman (Namir Smallwood), who is haunted by his tragic past, and gets transferred in Greenville, Illinois for a fresh start. But then you also become disillusioned by the demon visions he sees, as well as another patient story, both of which grow darker for him.
There’s nothing really wrong with going darker in the independent approach, but you have to acknowledge the character’s realities. At least we wonder if they are realities. This movie seems to be going through the motions, and has us wondering: “What is the point of those scenes?” and “Are they supposed to represent the real demons inside the main doctor?”
Before we get to the new patient story, James’ new boss Dr. Harrison (Michael Potts) becomes concerned about his well-being, and advises to him to connect with his patients. He wants the young actor to try to be at their level, which is why he has him attending integrating acting classes. There’s supposed to be a balance of honesty and embellishments when it comes to patients, and that’s what these classes are supposed to teach James.
And now on to the new patient story. He starts to show his concerns for a young asthma patient Helen (Sidney Flanigan, the breakout star of “Never Rarely Sometimes Always”), as well as her mother Karen (Rebecca Spence). He begins to ponder whether or not it’s safe for the girl to have a transplant or maybe it’s something else. So, that’s why we see him spying on them from time to time.
Now, I was easily turned on by Flanigan’s casting, because of how good she was in “Never Rarely Sometimes Always.” But there’s not much spark or emotion in her latest character. In fact, you feel kind of disappointed in her pay-off. That is whatever happens is supposed to be her pay-off.
Smallwood is the actor who delivers the humanity in his performance, and there are moments when I truly believe in his pathos and how he handles them. And the best supporting actor, in my opinion, is Potts whose age and tone tries to connect with the main protagonist. They both seem like actors who would be perfect in a small drama like this, but the screenplay doesn’t reflect on them.
Maybe I’m not seeing this film the way Alex Thompson and co-writer Christopher Thompson (yes, they’re brothers) did. But I know that “Saint Frances” and “Ghostlight” were both poignant character studies, based on life and what positives and negatives can come out of it. I was trying to find the positives out of “Rounding,” and I have found a few moments worth appreciating, but they’re not enough for me to recommend the overall film.
Hospitals are full of drama (and I’m glad I was able to say goodbye to my grandmother before she passed away at 90), and maybe that’s what “Rounding” was going for. But I remember the Elizabeth Banks indie “A Mistake” being a lot more complex in terms of the operations and procedures. Yes, it had some flaws, but it was still able to interest you with its direction. I have confidence in the filmmakers and I could care less how many familiar actors they cast, but this one didn’t really apply for me.
In Select Theaters and Streaming This Friday