Hellbent on Boogie

In a hilariously misguided attempt at redemption, the wayward Alan (Shiloh Fernandez) returns from the psych ward to his small Florida hometown, interfering with his widowed mother’s life plans for his sister, Quinn, a young adult on the autism spectrum. In a breakout, first-time performance, social media influencer Alyx Ruibal, as Quinn, dreams of becoming a professional dancer, not working at the local grocery store with her mom. Alan then hatches a half-baked plan to help Quinn escape their mother’s overbearing protection. With echoes of the similarly dance-driven Little Miss Sunshine, but with a uniquely Floridian vibe, this intriguing character study features the local flavor of non-actors alongside professionals. Sure to become a classic sunshine state film with heartfelt and quirky characters that stay with you, Hellbent on Boogie reminds us even our wildest dreams aren’t that far out of reach. (Florida Film Festival)