Preview: Alex Thompson’s ‘Rounding’ at 58th Chicago Intl. Film Fest. Oct. 15 & 16, 2022

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CHICAGO – Filmmaker Alex Thompson makes a triumphant return to the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) with his second feature, “Rounding,” screening on October 15th & 16th. CLICK ALEX T for info/tickets.

James (Kamir Smallwood) is a diligent medical resident, who has to transfer to a rural Illinois hospital due to the shadow of a traumatic experience at his previous post. But his past catches up with him when he encounters a new patient, 19-year-old Helen (Sidney Flanagan), whose asthma attacks and impending lung transplant strike him as suspicious. When he begins to push back, the previous trauma starts crashing his psyche, and that past may never reconcile with the present.

‘Rounding,’ Directed by Alex Thompson, at 58th TIFF
Photo credit: ChicagoFilmFestival.com

“Rounding” director Alex Thompson (he also co-wrote the film with his physician brother Christopher) created a indie splash with his debut film, “Saint Frances,” which was nominated for the John Cassavetes Honor at the Independent Spirit Awards. “Rounding” contains the same exceptional character studies as his first film, highlighted by Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member Namir Smallwood’s unforgettable performance as James, and supported by rising star Sidney Flanagan of “Never Rarely Sometimes Always.”

In a clip from an interview with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com from 2019, Alex Thompson talks about his philosophy of filmmaking …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor & Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com