ROLLERS

Cinemavixion Review

Isaiah Smallman's "Rollers" (2021) presents a poignant character study of Rufus Paisley, a man whose life is inextricably linked to the fate of a historic music venue, the titular Rollers. The film delves into Rufus's struggles with alcoholism and his desperate attempts to save the establishment, which was once his parents' legacy and is now his sole passion. As Rufus grapples with mounting troubles, his friends implore him to let go, posing the central question of whether he can overcome his demons and salvage what he holds dear. Featuring performances from Johnny Ray Gill, Meredith Thomas, and Kevin Bigley, "Rollers" offers an intimate look at the sacrifices made for art and legacy, and the difficult choices one faces when confronted with personal and professional ruin.