Josh O’Connor, the talented actor known for his powerful performances, recently shared insights about his preparation for his role as Dusty in the upcoming film Rebuilding. During the Sundance Film Festival, O’Connor sat down with Max Walker-Silverman, the film’s writer-director, alongside co-stars Meghann Fahy, Lily LaTorre, and Kali Reis, to discuss the creative process behind the film.
The drama tells the story of Dusty, who finds himself relocated to a FEMA camp after devastating wildfires ravage his ranch in Colorado. O'Connor, eager to immerse himself fully, recounted his experience of adopting the Midwestern accent, which is pivotal to portraying his character authentically. "I spent a bit of time out there before we started filming, not much time but a little bit," O’Connor revealed, emphasizing the importance of hearing the local voices. "That was just to hear some of the voices," he elaborated, making it clear how his surroundings shaped his performance.
Max Walker-Silverman contributed to this preparation by actively searching for regional influences as well. "We also spent some time going through YouTube and I was looking for people from the right part of Colorado," he shared. This collaborative effort highlights the duo's commitment to authenticity.
O’Connor recalled the first time Walker-Silverman received his voice message, noting the emotional resonance of their connection. "He sent me [the voice message], and it was a beautiful great feeling," Walker-Silverman expressed, hinting at the deep collaboration present throughout the filmmaking process.
O’Connor praised not just the skilled actors on set but also the local, non-professional actors who added unique authenticity to their scenes. "One of the most beautiful things about Max’s film is there are obviously brilliant and incredible actors, but there’s also non-professional actors..." he said. This blending of talent highlights the community spirit integral to the film’s essence.
He shared how working closely with local actors influenced his character development. "I was picking up on an accent [from them]...inevitably, we were in each other’s pockets the whole time and feeding off each other," O’Connor explained. This immersion strategy proved beneficial, as their camaraderie helped his accent settle naturally.
Set against the backdrop of recovery and resilience, Rebuilding explores themes of loss, healing, and the beauty of human connection following tragedy. This deep emotional well of experiences fuels O'Connor's performance as he navigates Dusty's transformative arc at the FEMA camp.
The film is slated for release on January 26, 2025, and audiences look forward to its poignant story and captivating performances.
With the authenticity of the Midwestern accent and the heartfelt narratives told within the film, Rebuilding promises to resonate deeply with viewers. O’Connor’s dedication to capturing the voice, character, and spirit of the community undoubtedly adds vibrant layers to this compelling film.