Reeling – Movie Review (4/5)

REELING is a movie best described as a “psychological experience”. Obviously, this isn’t a genre, but it’s difficult to pinpoint the genre for this movie. Is it a thriller, a mystery, or simply a psychological drama? Yes! It is all of the above… and then some. Read our Reeling movie review here!

REELING is a movie that has the most gorgeous setting and feels full of love. And yet, the main character is trapped in his own hell after trying to overcome a brain injury. Five years earlier, he was in an accident, and while he can walk and talk now, the journey appears to have been long and difficult.

So, what kind of movie is this? Well, it’s a genre hybrid, but not the sci-fi or fantasy variety. Instead, this is psychological warfare, and it’s one man both battling and healing himself. He has no recollection of the accident… but soon, he will remember a key detail that changes everything.

The runtime of just 1 hour and 16 minutes is ideal, as you almost can’t handle any more at that point.

Continue reading our Reeling movie review below. Find it on VOD from July 7, 2026.

Recovery is a struggle

If you know anyone who has had to recover from a serious illness or a debilitating accident, then you’ll recognize the dynamics of Reeling. Some people have patience and understanding, while others just want everything to “go back to normal”.

Whatever that is?!

With Reeling, we meet people at either end of that spectrum and at every point in between. Even the patient himself, Ryan, is struggling to get back to how things were, while also trying to allow himself time and space.

The latter appears to be running out, as some of his closest family members are getting very tired after five years of being caretakers. And yet, Ryan does seem to be feeling much better and is functioning at a decent level. I say decent because the events at his sister’s birthday party will show that he is still far from recovered.

Maybe he never will be.

So many questions…

What Ryan struggles with the most is his memory. Not just of the accident, though that is bad enough, but also of virtually everything else. Both things that happened decades ago and whatever happened five minutes ago.

It’s like watching Memento, but in some sort of strange real-time version.

Reeling takes place during one day, which just happens to be Meg’s birthday. She’s Ryan’s sister and one of the people he can recognize and clearly trusts. At the party are both family and friends, but not too many, which is why Meg felt confident that Ryan could handle it.

However, as Reeling unfolds, it becomes obvious that he is struggling, and the night evolves in ways that are very uncomfortable for everyone. Including us viewers!

One of the most tragic moments is when he starts remembering the accident, but also struggles to hold on to that memory. And it’s a real doozy to witness him remember and react to this revelation.

Watch Reeling on VOD

Reeling comes from director Yana Alliata, who manages to create a very intimate setting for a small story. One that feels so big due to its impact on so many people. A very powerful feature film debut for the director. Also, Yana Alliata & Amy Miner wrote the screenplay, which works wonderfully in its pace.

Also, I have to mention the actors who deliver amazing portrayals of people who feel so real. As Ryan, we have Ryan Wuestewald (who reminds me so much of Matt Damon), while his sister Meg is played by Nikki DeParis, and his brother John is portrayed by Hans Christopher.

Iconic filmmaker Werner Herzog is among the executive producers, and the movie premiered at SXSW in 2025. Since then, it has played at other film festivals and is now coming out on VOD.

In many ways, Reeling is a psychological mystery of sorts. It’s a mystery within a drama that turns into a thriller towards the end due to what we discover through Ryan’s memories. Despite not being able to put one genre on this movie, I can tell you that I adored everything about it.

From the amazing setting and the outpouring of love from all the characters, I completely felt like I was simply a guest at a party full of caring people. And yet, there is always this underlying current of something scary and dark. This is the fact that everyone is still reeling (yep, there’s the title) from tragic events.

Reeling is out on VOD on July 7, 2026.

Find it on Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango at Home, just don’t miss out on it!

Details

Director: Yana Alliata
Script: Yana Alliata & Amy Miner
Cast: Ryan Wuestewald, Hans Christopher, Nikki DeParis, Makena Miller, Fabrizio Alliata, Michael E. Carter, Nyah Juliano