Opportunity is a quirky, indie gem that brings humor, heart, and grit to the table in a uniquely entertaining way. Directed by Rusty Rehl, this film tells the story of Patrick Getty (played by Jon Waters), a 30-something man living in his van, who dreams of owning a home but gets pulled into a chaotic world of crime by his reckless best friend, Donnie (Quinn Aikele). Together, they face off against an unusual gang of Mormon gangsters, making for a wild, unexpected ride.
At its core, Opportunity is a love letter to friendship and the lengths one will go to help a buddy in need. With the backdrop of soaring housing prices and the ever-elusive American dream, the film captures the struggles of modern life with a comedic twist. Patrick is a clever and resourceful protagonist, and Waters plays him with an understated charm. But the real standout is Aikele as Donnie, whose natural, almost improvisational style of humor brings a sense of authenticity and spontaneity to the role. It feels as if Donnie is Aikele’s second skin, which makes his on-screen presence both hilarious and endearing.
The plot might seem far-fetched—two friends navigating a world of crime and Mormon gangsters—but it’s the absurdity that makes the film work. The dynamic between the characters, especially the oddball charm of Jared Rossi (Aaron Henretty) and the imposing yet gentle Elder Smith (Trent Martin), keeps the audience engaged, even when some jokes don't land or overstay their welcome. The supporting cast, particularly Anthony Hill as Tim, adds to the film’s quirky appeal, with performances that feel like part of a well-worn, strange but delightful world.
Rehl’s direction, despite the limited budget, is polished in many areas. The sound design and music choices stand out, perfectly fitting the tone and atmosphere of the film. However, there are some rough edges—noticeable ADR issues and a bit of unnecessary exposition—the film’s overall charm outweighs these small technical shortcomings. The drone shots add an unexpected level of production value, and the fight choreography, while not perfect, is impressively solid for an indie film.
Yes, Opportunity could have used a bit more tightening, especially in the editing department—some scenes fade to black unnecessarily, and the film might have benefited from being 20 minutes shorter. However, the film’s flaws are forgivable in light of its energy, passion, and sheer entertainment value.
Reminiscent of early Kevin Smith films, Opportunity has a DIY spirit and a raw authenticity that is hard to resist. While not every moment hits the mark, it’s an enjoyable, oddball buddy comedy that showcases Rehl’s ability to craft a fun and memorable indie project. If you’re a fan of indie films or offbeat comedies, Opportunity is definitely worth a watch, especially at a festival screening near you.
Jessie Hobson