The Dope Show

Dope Flick: John Taschner’s New Indie Thriller “Gen RX”

We at The Dope Show love a good indie film so naturally, we try to stay up on the latest and greatest from upcoming filmmakers who are pushing the envelope with cutting-edge movies. This go-round, we have our eye on Gen RX, a pivotal short film from rising 17 year-old Hawaiian filmmaker John Taschner. The…

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genrxWe at The Dope Show love a good indie film so naturally, we try to stay up on the latest and greatest from upcoming filmmakers who are pushing the envelope with cutting-edge movies.

This go-round, we have our eye on Gen RX, a pivotal short film from rising 17 year-old Hawaiian filmmaker John Taschner. The movie is set in 2016 where an alternate America has been taken over by the Ebola virus.

The government demands for everyone to take a daily immunization pill that doesn’t quite set well with Sarah who’s reluctant to take the pill. She is soon kidnapped by government agents who try to make her take it, but for her, it’s not that simple.

Aside from a killer plot, Gen RX also features amazing acting from the lead actress Melissa Elias who does a superb job bringing emotion to her character, Sarah, who risks it all to go against the system.

Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, Melissa starred in the Canadian TV series, Falcon Beach, that helped catapult her career to Hollywood. Her role in Gen RX is nothing short of impressive as she brings a sense of rebellion and redemption to the film.

melissa1

Shot in downtown Los Angeles, the film has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival which will screen in three weeks.

It was also nominated for a Student Academy Award that will be decided by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a huge achievement for such a young director fresh out of film school.

For a thorough synopsis of Gen RX, visit the film’s IMDB page by clicking here.

Also, for more on Melissa Elias, click here.

7 responses to “Dope Flick: John Taschner’s New Indie Thriller “Gen RX””

  1. Stephen Lamm Avatar
    Stephen Lamm

    I agree with the prior comments that Melissa Elias does a superb job in the lead role: she brings strength, and charisma, adding a unique character dimension to a willful protagonist. Credit to Writer/ Director John Taschner for creating such a compelling story around her title character. Curious — for those that have seen the film, what do you think will happen next?

    Not surprised that Gen RX is already receiving rave reviews on IMDB.
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3886916/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_1

    I will keep an eye out for Gen RX and John Taschner at AFM!

  2. Stephen Lamm Avatar
    Stephen Lamm

    I agree with the prior comments that Melissa Elias does a superb job in the lead role: she brings strength, and charisma, adding a unique character dimension to a willful protagonist. Credit to Writer/ Director John Taschner for creating such a compelling story around her title character. Curious — for those that have seen the film, what do you think will happen next?

    Not surprised that Gen RX is already receiving rave reviews on IMDB.
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3886916/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_1

    I will keep an eye out for Gen RX and John Taschner at AFM!

  3. Avatar
    Anonymous

    I agree with the prior comments that Melissa Elias does a superb job in the lead role: she brings strength, and charisma, adding a unique character dimension to a willful protagonist. Credit to Writer/ Director John Taschner for creating such a compelling story around her title character. Curious — for those that have seen the film, what do you think will happen next?

    Not surprised that Gen RX is already receiving rave reviews on IMDB.
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3886916/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_1

    I will keep an eye out for Gen RX and John Taschner at AFM!

  4. Gen RX

    […] http://thedopeshowonline.com/2015/04/24/dope-flick-john-taschners-new-indie-thriller-gen-rx/ […]

  5. Erin Garcia Avatar
    Erin Garcia

    Meliisa Elias brings great energy and gravitas to this film, directed by John Taschner. The production quality of the film is superb. Great cinematography, Melissa Elias is a female version of Neo, and the staging and location chosen by Taschner portray a dark and uncertain urban feel…similar to the futuristic governmental efforts seen in Matrix, Mocking Jay, and other dystopian films portraying a futuristic chaos. When I read about a new virus epidemic in the news, I thought about Melissa and the urban setting in this film, realizing the story and performance had staying power to remain in my subconscious long after exiting the theatre.

  6. Ronnie Simon Avatar
    Ronnie Simon

    Wow, those eyes and that attitude! Melissa Elias is spellbinding; I absolutely couldn’t look away from her as she made the scene. That, with the surreal yet all too realistic storyline, made me think about the symptoms of a sick modern life. Really makes you think about what our country would be like if last year’s Ebola hysteria has continued to its logical conclusion. Another great work from Mr. Taschner! What an eye for talent and structure he has. I saw here (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4426985/) he’s also the director of one of my favorite documentaries, “Life’s a Dive.” I can’t wait to see what he has in store next!

  7. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Melissa’s stunning appearance in this film make her look like she could be one of the next great actresses!

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