‘The Fries Rebellion’, directed by Dan Hertzog, is an educational short that bridges past and present through the eyes of Kayla (Nancy Kimball), a high schooler who reluctantly returns to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and must complete a school project on the areas history. Little does she know, this mundane task will pull her deep into history – quite literally.
Guided by her uncle Steve (Jon Reinhold), a local history professor, Kayla begins learning about the Fries Rebellion of 1798-99, a lesser-known protest against the Federalist government’s house tax. The film, written by Sarajane Williams, cleverly shifts between Kayla’s modern-day life and vivid flashbacks to the past, allowing the audience to experience her supernatural visions as she’s transported to a world centuries before.
‘The Fries Rebellion’ pulls you in because of is high-end craftsmanship. The cinematography is sharp and rich, effortlessly moving between the present and the past, with costumes and production design that feel authentic to the era. There’s a haunting quality in the way these historical moments unfold – both visually and emotionally. Hertzog’s direction captures a surreal atmosphere as Kayla becomes more intertwined with the history, even as her family’s own roots in the area are revealed.
The supernatural aspect – Kayla’s ability to witness history firsthand – adds a layer of intrigue to the educational narrative. As she tours local taverns and historic sites with Steve, her growing connection to the past and its characters becomes more profound, hinting at something far deeper than just a school project.
This is an immersive journey through time, with stellar performances that ground the fantastical elements in real emotion. If you’re into drama with a twist of the paranormal, ‘The Fries Rebellion’ delivers both knowledge and suspense in a well-crafted, memorable package. Highly recommended.
