Josh O’Connor transforms into a rugged cowboy struggling to rebuild after wildfire devastation in the first official trailer for his new movie, Rebuilding, a drama written and directed by Max Walker-Silverman.
Rebuilding stars O’Connor, Lily LaTorre, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan. The story follows Dusty (O’Connor), a cowboy who is forced into a FEMA camp where he confronts fractured relationships and seeks a new start after a wildfire destroys his family ranch. The film premiered at Sundance 2025 and is scheduled to be released theatrically on November 14.
The trailer opens with vast landscapes and with Dusty packing his belongings, sharing tense moments with his family as he moves to the FEMA camp, where there seems to be a hopeful community. Check out the full Rebuilding trailer below:
Critics have praised O’Connor’s quiet, powerful performance as well as Rebuilding‘s use of minimal dialogue and striking visuals to capture grief and resilience. While some reviewers mention the film’s slow pace, Rebuilding currently holds a positive 96% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, recognized for its honest portrayal of trauma and community strength in the face of loss.
O’Connor’s role in Rebuilding continues his trend of playing complex, emotionally nuanced characters. Known for his breakthrough in God’s Own Country and, recently, for the sports film Challengers, O’Connor often impressively embodies internal struggle. As Dusty, he sheds dramatic tension for a more subdued performance, focusing on themes of idenтιтy and healing in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
O’Connor expressed genuine enthusiasm about working on Rebuilding when talking to ScreenRant at Sundance 2025, highlighting his appreciation for varied roles. He explained: “Script is always a big aspect of it. There are certain directors, like Rian [Johnson] or Max, who I’m really excited to work with. I like playing someone who I have no clue what I’m doing — it’s terrifying and exciting.“
Walker-Silverman also shared in the interview how Rebuilding blends his personal experiences with imaginative storytelling and universal themes. According to the writer-director, his casting of O’Connor was based on shared worldviews rather than geography, emphasizing the connection between actor and character despite their different backgrounds, calling O’Connor “just as sweet and talented a man as there is.”
The synergy between its director and lead actor enriches Rebuilding, bringing heartfelt authenticity to the story of a man rebuilding his life. O’Connor’s ability to convey vulnerability and resilience aligns perfectly with the drama’s themes, making it a “powerful film” deserving of its positive reviews. Thus,we cannot wait to see Rebuilding on November 14.
