Inside the Rain Movie Storyline. College film student Benjamin Glass (played by writer-director Aaron Fisher) has it all: ADHD, OCD, borderline personality. And he’s also bipolar. But Glass is more than his diagnoses – he prefers the term “recklessly extravagant” — and he’s determined to prove his genius.
When a misunderstanding threatens to expel him from college, Glass pushes back; he plans on recreating the incident on video, with the help of a moonlighting porn actress (Ellen Toland), to clear his name. But how will he raise the money for the film, when his parents dismiss the scheme as another manic episode?
Inside the Rain is a wincingly funny rom-com-drama, anchored by off-kilter performances by co-stars Fisher and Toland. The colorful ensemble cast includes Rosie Perez as a tough love shrink, Eric Roberts as an unhinged film producer, and Catherine Curtin and Paul Schulze as the long-suffering parents. The ultimate underdog film and proof that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible.
Film Review for Inside the Rain
elping him with the film is d-list movie producer Monty Pennington (Eric Roberts) and actress/sushi girl/escort Emma (Ellen Toland). Now all Ben has to do is raise $5,500 on a crowd-funding site, and he can get back into film school. As you would imagine, Ben starts to develop feelings for Emma. Ben soon begins to self-sabotage his efforts at returning to school and finding love by going off his meds.
Reading back this description, Inside The Rain is a much more thoughtful movie about the day-to-day struggles of mental health than it seems. Aaron Fisher’s debut film is decidedly a comedy, but never draws its laughs by making light or fun of Fisher’s real struggles. He just lays his life out there, and its humorous moments bubble to the surface. Amidst the laughs come genuine and authentic moments from Fisher’s personal experiences.
Inside The Rain succeeds primarily because of its cast. Rosie Perez just shines as Dr. Holloway. When she makes a claim of curing Ben, her confidence and character’s insight makes you believe she can do it, but in an unexpected way. Eric Robert’s role as Monty is more than just his usual cameo as the part is meatier, and Roberts seems to revel in the role of the indie film producer, who’s studio is his garage. As the love interest Emma, Ellen Toland is smart and empathetic as her character delves deep into a complicated relationship with Ben. One of my favorite smaller roles is Catherine Curtin and Paul Schulze as Ben’s parents, who clearly love their son, want him to be safe, and refuses to coddle to his every request. They offer a beautiful blend of sweet, stern, and frustrated.
It’s Aaron Fisher who comes off as the real star of Inside The Rain. I suppose since this is his story, he’s the only one who could pull off the writing, directing, and acting, or then again, maybe it’s the OCD. Either way, it’s impressive how much Inside The Rain works as a single, cohesive film. There’s rarely a misstep, if any at all, and nothing feels forced. In the end, you root for Ben, laugh at the right spots, feel satisfied by the ending and understand a little more about the everyday struggle for mental health.
Inside the Rain (2020)
Directed by: Aaron Fisher
Starring: Rosie Perez, Eric Roberts, Aaron Fisher, Ellen Toland, Catherine Curtin, Paul Schulze, Rita Raider, Katie Claire McGrath, Jesse Means, Natalie Carter, Kerri Sohn, Thom Niemann
Screenplay by: Aaron Fisher
Production Design by: Sally Levi
Cinematography by: Josh Fisher
Film Editing by: Aaron Fisher, Esteban Uribe
Costume Design by: Zinnia Kim
Set Decoration by: Lauren Cunningham
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Act 13
Release Date: March 13, 2020
Visits: 54
