Synopsis:

“My Rockstar” is a compelling and emotional short film that follows the journey of Amanda (aka “Eva” of the band Eva Under Fire”), a determined young Latina woman who dreams of becoming a rockstar while navigating the challenges of her father’s opiate addiction. The story delves into the complexities of familial relationships, self-discovery, and the power of resilience. The film aims to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience while conveying a powerful message about the profound impact of addiction on familial relationships. It explores themes of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, leaving viewers inspired and moved by Amanda’s journey.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

My Rockstar” is an emotionally gripping short following the journey of Amanda, aka “Eva” of the band Eva Under Fire, a determined young Latina woman dreaming of rock stardom while grappling with the harsh realities of her father’s opiate addiction. Directed by Stephanie Williams and Graham Northrup, and penned by Williams, the film is an evocative exploration of familial bonds, personal resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams amidst adversity.

The short film immerses viewers in Amanda’s internal world, capturing her moments of introspection and doubt as she stands on the cusp of a significant performance. The opening scene, where Amanda is lost in thought before the lights go on, sets the stage for a deeply personal narrative. The film then rewinds to illustrate Amanda’s journey, filled with poignant moments with her father, her most ardent supporter, whose encouragement and eventual decline into substance abuse profoundly shape her path.

Amanda’s father, portrayed with nuance by Memo, is a character of dualities. He is her biggest fan, cheering her on during her first autograph signing and promising to attend her debut concert. Yet, his battle with addiction becomes an insurmountable obstacle, leading to heart-wrenching scenes where his deterioration is evident. His struggle and ultimate demise serve as a catalyst for Amanda’s rage, pain, and artistic expression, underscoring the film’s message about the devastating impact of addiction on families.

Amanda Lyberg’s performance as both the adult Amanda and her stage persona, Eva, is compelling. She captures the essence of a woman battling external skepticism and internal grief. The scenes where Amanda interacts with her younger self, played by Dylan Chance, are particularly moving. These sequences, set in a dimly lit room, highlight Amanda’s internal dialogue and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present ambitions.

The film does an exceptional job of portraying the rockstar’s inner turmoil and the complexities of her relationship with her father. It challenges gender stereotypes in the rock music scene, depicting Amanda’s resilience against criticisms that she isn’t “tough enough” or is merely “eye candy.” These moments are powerful, with her father’s flawed yet heartfelt support providing a bittersweet contrast.

Visually, “My Rockstar” excels in creating an immersive world. The use of lighting, props, and
costumes effectively enhances the narrative, drawing viewers into Amanda’s journey. The
scenes are meticulously crafted to focus on the characters’ emotions, with the actors displaying
an unspoken connection that adds depth to their performances.

The film’s conclusion, marked by a poignant performance where Amanda is haunted by the
ghost of her father, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As she sings with tears streaming down
her face, the audience is reminded of the enduring impact of loss and the resilience required to
pursue one’s dreams. The film ends with a stark reminder of the opioid crisis, displaying
statistics that highlight the scale of the tragedy and the loved ones left behind.

“My Rockstar” is a powerful short film that skillfully blends personal narrative with broader social
issues. It leaves viewers inspired by Amanda’s strength and moved by the profound depiction of
love, loss, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. The collaboration of directors Stephanie
Williams and Graham Northrup, along with a dedicated cast, has resulted in a film that
resonates on multiple levels, offering both an emotional journey and a commentary on the
pervasive impact of addiction.

5 STARS!