‘Boxcutter’ Review – An Aspiring Rapper Roams Around Toronto On A Journey Of Self-Discovery [SXSW 2025]

It’s a fact that self-doubt and fear kill more dreams than anything else. In Reza Dahya’s film, Boxcutter, the protagonist spends a day galivanting across Toronto in search of his music but finds his self-worth and courage in the process.

Rome (Ashton James) is a talented but shy aspiring rapper who spends his days working in a factory and dreaming of rap superstardom with his roommate, Sid (Viphusan Vani). When a co-worker offers him the opportunity to meet with an award-winning producer to showcase his work, Rome is thrilled. Unfortunately for him, burglars steal the laptop with all his music. With the help of his friend Jenaya (Zoe Lewis), Rome sets out to collect his music from producers and friends and face his insecurities about his talent and future.

Boxcutter is an emotionally moving and thoughtful movie about a man’s journey to make his dreams come true while dealing with self-doubt and self-sabotage. Rome’s kind nature will endear him to audiences and make him instantly likable. James brings a subtle and silent vulnerability to Rome that will make viewers root for him and hope that he achieves his dreams by the time the credits roll. To say the film is heartfelt is an understatement.

The story makes a bold and subversive choice by never letting the audience hear Rome’s music. Although that’s usually a given in stories that feature a protagonist who is an aspiring musical artist, the change is refreshing. It allows the audience to share in moments of Rome’s self-doubt and anxiety. Yes, the audience sees other characters listen to his music and praise his work, but there is a lack of actual music, and thus, an element of uncertainty puts the audience in Rome’s shoes. It’s a brilliant bit of storytelling that grounds the story in genuine human emotion and keeps the focus on Rome’s journey of self-discovery.

Zoe Lewis as Jenaya is captivating, and the film wisely capitalizes on her talent by giving her character a storyline revolving around her art and activism. Lewis plays Jenaya as naturally charismatic and optimistic. She’s the opposite of Rome’s pessimism, but it works well because it creates natural tension between the characters—a push and pull as they reflect on the experiences that have shaped their worldview. Audiences will be rooting for a romantic connection between the two. However, the film wisely sidesteps that to keep their strong friendship intact. It is an unexpected move for which the filmmaker should be applauded. Films need more platonic friendships between men and women.

Vani’s Sid isn’t seen much in the film, which is disappointing, considering a significant revelation later in the movie. Although the film is about Rome’s journey, a parallel story following Sid and his decisions could have been interesting. He and Rome want the same thing; however, Sid has a completely different outlook and plan for achieving their goals. The film is still great without Sid’s story, but it could have elevated a strong story.

The film also subtly touches on racism and gentrification, with Rome and Jenaya dealing with microaggressions as they traverse Toronto’s ever-changing streets and neighborhoods. Although the film doesn’t explore these moments too deeply, seeing the characters stand up for themselves and make it clear that they have every right to exist in the same spaces as those who don’t look like them is inspiring and adds liveliness to what could have easily been dull or depressing moments in the film.

Toronto itself serves as the unofficial third lead character in the movie. Beautiful shots of the sun glittering off the Toronto high rises and graffiti-covered buildings add character and vividness to the world the characters inhabit. Whether Rome is roaming through barely lit neighborhoods at night or contemplating his future in a smoke-filled, neon-lit club, the story’s world breathes and feels as accurate as any human protagonist. Viewers will walk away craving the opportunity to know the version of Toronto, Rome, and his friends have grown up with instead of the trendy tourist spot many outsiders view it as. The film is a love letter to the city and is made by someone who appreciates it.

Boxcutter is a grounded and emotional story about an aspiring rapper’s journey to overcome his crippling self-doubt and uncertainty to pursue his dreams in an ever-changing world.

Boxcutter held its International Premiere as part of the 24 Beats Per Second section of the 2025 SXSW TV & Film Festival. 

Director: Reza Dahya

Screenwriter: Chris Cromie

Rated: NR

Runtime: 93m