Behind the Scenes of ‘RESCUE’
This project is deeply woven into the DNA of our family. Written and directed by my brother, CJ Axe, the film features a raw, unvarnished look at the heaviest psychological landscape a parent can face: the unimaginable tragedy of losing a child. CJ put me in the lead role as the grieving father, and the film marks the official on-screen introduction of my son, Abel Axe.
RESCUE is a psychological thriller, but it doesn't rely on cheap jump scares or standard Hollywood tropes. It focuses entirely on the quiet, devastating, and atmospheric dimensions of human grief.
Directing the Unthinkable
When CJ first brought the script to me, I knew the visual execution had to match the pitch-black emotional weight of the story. Grief isn't just a singular feeling; it has physical, cognitive, and philosophical dimensions. To capture that on screen, CJ utilized a high-contrast, moody aesthetic with breathtaking macro-cinematography that captures the deep, invisible distance that opens up between a person and the real world after a traumatic loss.
“I read the script at the airport on my way to see my son, and it hit me like a ton of bricks”
Acting Through Authentic Connection
Acting alongside your own son while exploring a narrative about ultimate loss is an intense, heavy experience. Abel brought a completely unbiased, natural innocence to the set. In our recent podcasts, we’ve discussed how kids bring a distinct, raw truth to cinema because they aren't trying to "act"—they are simply existing within the space you provide for them.
That real-world chemistry between Abel and me is the engine that drives RESCUE. Because our genuine connection is baked into the footage, the stakes of the psychological thriller elements feel dangerously high. It allows the viewer to bypass the standard observer status and directly empathize with the internal collapse of the character.
A Note on the Reality of Grief
While RESCUE functions as a polished, cinematic psychological thriller, the underlying subject matter is something millions of people wrestle with in silence. Grief is an unpredictable, non-linear journey that follows major life transitions—whether that is the literal loss of a loved one, a severe breakup, or the loss of a career path.
We wanted this film to serve as an artistic mirror for those heavy, avoided conversations. There is no right or wrong way to navigate loss, but understanding the terrain is the first step toward healing. For our community members based near our home base in Los Angeles, CA, or anywhere else worldwide, remember that processing trauma shouldn't be a solo battle.
If you or someone you care about is navigating these heavy waters, we highly encourage leaning on professional, holistic support networks and resources:
The Tools for Healing: HelpGuide’s Essential Breakdown on Coping with Grief and Loss
Understanding Bereavement: Navigating the Death of a Loved One Safely
Two Tears key film art
Watch the Film
RESCUE is officially live on YouTube, standing as a proud milestone for what we are building here at Red Axe. It is a testament to what happens when independent creators protect the frame, keep the storytelling fiercely authentic, and refuse to dilute the emotional truth of a project.
Click here to watch the full short film on YouTube, and while you are there, make sure to check out our latest feature project, Literary Ink: A Wizard Experience.
Join the Conversation: Once you've experienced the film, head over to the comments or find us on Instagram at @cj.axeofficial and @axelaxeofficial. We want to hear how the visual framework of RESCUE resonated with your own perspective on love, loss, and the boundaries of independent cinema.
