"The Rewind": Would You Change Your Past?

With the press of a button, let’s rewind this moment.

“The Rewind” is a short film by Diana Porter and Mikel J. Wisler. Desperate to get back with his wife, Josh turns to a new technology that lets users relive difficult moments and, hopefully, change the outcome. It turns out ‘Rewind Therapy’ is not so simple.

Do you ever wish you had a rewind button in your life? Maybe it will work out for the better, or change things significantly. “The Rewind” played at the Lois Weber Film Festival and garnered memorable reactions. Combining psychological science fiction with a dangerous temptation, “The Rewind” challenges viewers to make wise decisions.

Diana Porter is a professional actress who has starred in a decade of films. She didn’t start in filmmaking until 2016. A producer asked Porter to make a short film about a dystopian future if Roe vs. Wade is overturned. While she was startled to see real life play out in 2023, Porter said the audience's reaction sparked her creativity.

Porter has now directed 5 short films and episodes for a web series and continues to learn new facts about filmmaking.

“The more I learn, the more I love it,” Porter said.

Porter collaborated with Mikel J. Wisler for “The Rewind.” This isn’t the first time the pair has worked together. In 2021, they created the short film “Subscribed.” The short film is about a woman who is dependent on an AI helper for her every desire.

When they read the script for “The Rewind,” Porter said it had similar themes regarding technology and human weakness. Therefore, they decided to have the stories exist in the same universe.

“We wanted to include a commentary on the American Prison system and how it centered on punishment, instead of rehabilitation,” Porter said. “It’s an important topic that I feel doesn’t get enough attention.”

The short stars Dustin Tueber (Josh) and Anna Rizzo (Nina). Porter previously worked with both actors and was delighted to work with them again.

Porter thought Tueber was a perfect fit for Josh, given how audiences would connect with his character. Josh has his flaws. This character has made mistakes, but his desperation to ‘rewind’ makes matters worse. One aspect of Tueber’s performance that I enjoyed was his emotional vulnerability. I wanted him to succeed, but at the same time, I was telling him to stop.

Not only does she direct, but Porter also stars in the film as Fay T. Gilbert, the operations assistant. “I don’t like splitting my focus between directing and acting, but we had a chemistry read with Dustin, and honestly, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to act with him,” Porter said.

Filming took five and a half days, with most days lasting close to ten hours. The production moved between locations in Framingham, Canton, and Pawtucket, creating additional challenges for the crew.

Despite the demanding schedule and multiple locations, filmmakers pushed themselves creatively with ambitious practical effects and inventive camera work to enhance the story.

“This is our most ambitious film in a lot of ways,” Porter said. Among the techniques used were a complicated barrel roll and making a character dissolve. These visual moments give the film its distorted reality.

A wave of gasps filled the auditorium at the final scene. Our lives have become too dependent on technology. Take your own course of action before turning to technology.

“‘The Rewind’ is truly about self-reflection and taking responsibility for your actions,” Porter said.

The short won Best Actor and Best Directors at the Lois Weber Film Festival. “The Rewind” continues to scope different festivals, where Porter said the film has sparked vocal reactions. The film is an ambitious social commentary with emotional depth. The ending has remained locked in my mind.