When an idealistic, but indecisive college grad makes a series of radically frugal lifestyle choices and goes off-grid to get out of debt, he’s unable to let his girlfriend-practically-fiancée in on his plans, forcing a difficult choice between a simple life on his bike or committing to the woman he loves.

 

Staring Richard Blackmon (Atropia) in a breakout lead role, A Simple Machine follows Nick Allander as he tries to figure out his life’s direction during the late stages of the pandemic. It is stunningly shot in Portland, Oregon by the award-winning cinematographer Kevin Fletcher (It’s What’s Inside, Paradise Records) and features original music by renowned composer Mark Orton (The Holdovers, Nebraska).

 

Now playing at festivals ahead of a 2026 release, this story offers a timely contemplation on individual freedom as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.