Saban Films has dropped the official trailer for Resurrection Road, an indie action thriller that blends historical drama with horror elements, set during the turbulent days of the U.S. Civil War. Directed by Ashley Cahill, this film is about a group of six Black soldiers, led by a former slave named Barabbas, who are given a nearly impossible task: infiltrate a heavily guarded Confederate fort deep in the Arkansas wilderness and destroy its long-range guns. But their mission quickly takes a terrifying twist, as the soldiers uncover a dark, malevolent secret hidden within the forest—one that threatens not only their mission but their very survival.
Plot
Set in the final years of the Civil War, Resurrection Road follows Barabbas, an ex-slave who now commands an elite squad of Black soldiers. The group is assigned a suicide mission by Union commanders: to infiltrate a Confederate stronghold, destroy the fort’s long-range guns, and ultimately alter the course of the war.
As the soldiers travel deep into enemy territory, tensions run high, not only because of the mission’s dangerous nature but also due to the racial dynamics and distrust that persist within the ranks. However, once they enter the dense, desolate Arkansas woods, the soldiers soon realize that the danger they face is far greater than what they had anticipated. They are confronted by a dark force buried in the heart of the forest—a force that is far more sinister than any Confederate soldiers they could face.
The mission that initially appeared to be a fight for survival against the enemy turns into a test of their courage, loyalty, and will to live. As they struggle to complete their mission, they must also fight an ancient, supernatural evil that lurks within the woods—one that will test the very essence of who they are.
A Unique Blend of Action, Drama, and Horror
The trailer for Resurrection Road takes an unexpected turn halfway through, shifting from a classic Civil War action thriller into a full-on horror survival story. This blending of genres sets it apart from typical war films, combining intense combat sequences with supernatural horror elements. The soldiers are not only fighting for freedom and survival but also for their sanity, as the horrors they encounter push them to the brink of madness.
This fusion of historical action and horror is a fresh approach in filmmaking, using the Civil War as a backdrop for a narrative that also taps into primal fears—suggesting that the horrors of war are not just confined to human violence but also to something much more supernatural and deeply rooted in the land itself.
The Cast and Crew
The film stars Malcolm Goodwin as Barabbas, the courageous leader of the group. Goodwin, known for his role in the TV series iZombie, brings a level of depth and gravitas to the character, portraying a man who is both a seasoned warrior and a man wrestling with his past as a former slave. His performance is complemented by a talented supporting cast, including Furly Mac, Triana Browne, Okea Eme-Akwari, and Randall J. Bacon.
Also starring is Michael Madsen, a veteran actor best known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, who plays Quantrill, a Confederate officer with a dark and mysterious presence. The ensemble cast adds emotional weight to the film, giving the audience a diverse and dynamic range of characters to invest in.
Resurrection Road is directed by Ashley Cahill, an American filmmaker who has previously worked on films like Random Acts of Violence and First Person: A Film About Love. Cahill’s experience with dark, psychological themes lends itself well to this project, bringing a unique voice to the historical drama genre. The film is produced by Talia Bella, Pantea Ghaderi, and Randy Wayne.
The Significance of the Story
Resurrection Road offers a thought-provoking take on the Civil War, exploring themes of courage, survival, and the horrors of war from the perspective of Black soldiers who were often overlooked in mainstream narratives of the time. While the movie centers around their dangerous mission, it also delves into their internal struggles—both as soldiers fighting in a brutal war and as Black men in a society that still treats them as second-class citizens.
The supernatural aspect of the film further complicates the men’s journey, making them question not only their mission but also their beliefs, their humanity, and their purpose in a world torn apart by conflict. This provides a unique lens through which to view the history of the Civil War, mixing real historical events with fictional elements to create a gripping and immersive experience.
Release and Reception
Resurrection Road is set for release in select U.S. theaters and on VOD starting June 6th, 2025. While the film has yet to premiere at any major festivals, its trailer has already garnered attention for its bold narrative choices and genre-blending approach. With its unique mix of historical drama, action, and horror, the film is poised to capture the attention of audiences who enjoy a deeper, more psychologically intense exploration of war and survival.
Conclusion
Resurrection Road offers an exciting and fresh take on the Civil War film genre, with an action-packed storyline that also delves into supernatural horror. By combining these elements, the film creates a unique viewing experience that challenges traditional war film tropes. With a talented cast, a visionary director, and a gripping story, Resurrection Road is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing films to watch in 2025. The blend of history, action, and horror promises a tense and emotional journey, one that will leave viewers questioning the true nature of courage and survival.
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