Our relationship with our parents is often complicated. There are myriad reason for those complications, but coming together and sustaining that bond takes work. The new film, Bleeding Love, focuses on a father and daughter trying to re-build that bond during a road trip born of trauma.

In the film, following a traumatic incident, a young woman (Clara McGregor) is picked up by her estranged father (Ewan McGregor). It’s clear they haven’t been close for a few years. There’s an icy tension as they hit the road, where he’s dropping her off in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As we travel along the road, it’s clear the father has moved on in life. He’s re-married with a young son. That leaves his daughter wondering if her father even still cares.

As they make their way along the highway, they learn more about each other, where they are now and ask hard questions about the past and their relationship. Can they find a way to restore their bond moving forward?

This film features a real father and daughter, which helps enhance the experience. In addition, Clara helped with the story on this film, collaborating with Vera Bulder and Ruby Caster, who finished the screenplay. There is real emotional depth and tension behind the performance, likely owing in part to the real connection between Clara and Ewan.

There are moments of the film that are quite captivating. The idea of the story and the back-and-forth between the performers keeps you hooked. The direction from Emma Westenberg is solid as the film explores this relationship and how these two can form their connection again.

This is a different kind of road film. I enjoyed the performances and was taken with the emotional depth of the story. This film is worth seeking out as it opens on Friday.

Bleeding Love opens in limited release on Friday, February 16.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.