In the grand tradition of movies like Go and Gregg Araki’s Nowhere comes a new film steeped in the most popular aspect of ’90s counterculture: ecstasy use. Rolling was directed by L.A. filmmaker Billy Samoa Saleebey and candidly delves into the stories of eight characters who each have personal relationships with the drug.

Saleebey, who himself was a regular fixture on the club and rave scene nearly a decade ago, is well versed in many of the popular movies of that time.

“I wanted to make a film that really captured the ecstasy experience from start to finish,” he says.

He credits director Ed Burns’ Sidewalks of New York for inspiring the documentary style in which Rolling was made. However, Saleebey also has a favorite, which specifically touches on ecstasy use and has been drawing comparisons to his project.

“A lot of people have said our movie is like an American version of Human Traffic,” he admits.

When Saleebey first decided to pen the script for Rolling, he was so enthusiastic about the material that he wound up with a screenplay that was over 500 pages long. He later enlisted the help of some friends, who each took control of several storylines and tightened up the finished product. They also held early rounds of casting to find performers whose natural mannerisms would help them carve out the project’s realism.

Saleebey has put an immense amount of effort into Rolling and wants people to know that his film takes an objective look at ecstasy use. He is quick to defend his movie from those who say it defends the drug.

“Well, I think the movie can be perceived in many different ways, and I leave that up to the audience.”

Rolling releases at Laemmle Theatres May 8. For more information, visit rollingmovie.com.