Low and Behold

Low and Behold is a 2007 drama film inspired by real-life events following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It is a story of loss, redemption and purpose, set against the chaotic backdrop of this natural disaster that ravaged New Orleans. The film is an independent production directed by Zack Godshall and stars Eddie Rouse, Julia Adams, and Jude Cambise in key roles. What sets Low and Behold apart from many other films centered around this catastrophic event is its stark, ground-level realism and intimate portrait of human resilience, wrapped up in an enthralling character drama.

The story revolves around Turner Stull (Barlow Jacobs), a young man from a small town who arrives in the devastated post-Katrina New Orleans for a job as an insurance claims adjuster. Turner was sent by his uncle and boss who hoped that this assignment would toughen him up and teach him about the harsh realities of life. It's an environment in stark contrast to Turner's usual surroundings, thrown into the chaotic and painful aftermath of the hurricane, dealing with claimants who have lost everything.

Earth-minded and naively optimistic on arrival, Turner soon faces the depths of the tragedy as he begins documenting the losses people have faced. His bureaucratic job requires him to dispassionately assess the damage and decide on the amount of insurance money the victims should receive, often leaving him in bitter interactions with individuals to whom the disaster is still raw and painful.

In the course of his work, Turner encounters Nixon (Eddie Rouse), a veteran local man who struggles with his own loss since his dog disappeared during the disaster. Nixon is a seasoned individual who understands the harsh underbelly of New Orleans, trying to survive and deal with his loss, seeking meaning in the desolation. This encounter entwines their destinies—two men who've suffered personal loss and are trying to figure out how to move forward.

Turner and Nixon together then embark on the search for Nixon's lost dog, the journey which forms the crux of the movie as it progresses. This is the catalyst that allows both men to navigate and comprehend the complexities of devastation, leading them into a deep exploration of the human spirit and the inherent need for connection. It is through this shared endeavor that they create an unlikely bond, a connection that allows them to explore the romantic and starkly poetic landscape of the post-Katrina New Orleans.

Low and Behold takes an intimate look at displacement, recovery, and resilience, primarily through the eyes of those most deeply affected. It observes the human response to devastation, providing a poignant picture of the fragility of life and the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity. Although set in the eerie, dejected landscape of New Orleans, the film is not a disaster movie, rather a story that uses the disaster as a backdrop to explore characters, relationships, and human resilience.

The performances from the leads are moving and give substance to the well-written characters. Particularly noteworthy is Eddie Rouse's role as Nixon, delivering a heartfelt and compelling performance, fully embodying his character’s struggles and vulnerabilities. Barlow Jacobs, as the young insurance claims adjuster Turner Stull, perfectly portrays his character's naivety and journey as he uncovers the brutal realities of life post-disaster. Julia Adams shines as a stubborn claimant who argues passionately with Turner about her claim.

The film, set in documentary-style narrative, brings a gripping authenticity to the setting and allows the audience to feel a deep connection to both the characters and the devastated city they navigate. The cinematography allows the viewer to explore the devastated New Orleans through the eyes of the characters, with each house they visit serving as a microcosm of different human reactions to loss.

Low and Behold captures a narrative of humanity's innate search for connection and purpose in the face of heartbreak and devastation. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human resilience in the wake of tragedy and the raw reality of a disaster's aftermath while exploring the intimate relationships that exist within. The film leaves viewers with an appreciation of the human capacity to adapt, overcome, and find light in the darkest of times.