“Useless” is a full-length independent feature written and directed by Josiah Burdick and produced by Charity Ambrose, Fearless Productions and Backcountry Media.
The story follows Jessie, a young woman navigating grief after the loss of her mother and the upheaval of moving in with her aunt and uncle. Searching for connection and stability, she returns to the world of horses and barrel racing, eventually finding work on a local ranch.
I was cast as Amber, a ranch owner who grounds the film as a figure who reorients a young woman's sense of purpose after a major life loss.
The role operates as a stabilizing force, but with underlying authority and lived experience that shapes the trajectory of the story. Through this relationship, the film explores how guidance, responsibility, and compassion can become bridges through grief.
In Useless, I ground the film as the figure who reorients a young woman’s sense of purpose after loss.
The film examines themes of loss, resilience, and the process of finding one’s footing after tragedy.
On festival tour, “Useless” received the Audience Choice Award at the Bigfork Independent Film Festival. It premiered on Amazon Prime August 2020.
The story follows Jessie, a young woman navigating grief after the loss of her mother and the upheaval of moving in with her aunt and uncle. Searching for connection and stability, she returns to the world of horses and barrel racing, eventually finding work on a local ranch.
I was cast as Amber, a ranch owner who grounds the film as a figure who reorients a young woman's sense of purpose after a major life loss.
The role operates as a stabilizing force, but with underlying authority and lived experience that shapes the trajectory of the story. Through this relationship, the film explores how guidance, responsibility, and compassion can become bridges through grief.
In Useless, I ground the film as the figure who reorients a young woman’s sense of purpose after loss.
The film examines themes of loss, resilience, and the process of finding one’s footing after tragedy.
On festival tour, “Useless” received the Audience Choice Award at the Bigfork Independent Film Festival. It premiered on Amazon Prime August 2020.
Photo credits: Sydney Resel and Jessica Arena
Clicking on the images below takes you to the
Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple, and YouTube landing pages to watch the film
Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple, and YouTube landing pages to watch the film





