Distance is an emotional relationship drama made by Jennifer Williams while at the University of Hertfordshire. Heather (Thomasin Lockwood) and Adam (Tristan Alexander) are on their way to a wedding in Wales. While on an isolated, narrow country road in the pitch darkness, their car breaks down. While this may sound like the set-up to a horror movie, it’s actually more about their relationship possibly breaking down, and whether they can pull it back from the brink.
The film’s greatest strength is that once dawn breaks, the couple sets off across some absolutely stunning scenery, which is well-shot by the cinematographer. Unfortunately, neither the dialogue or the acting are on the same level as the visuals.
Screenwriter Danny Rowan has written Heather as an extremely annoying character, who fits all of the misogynistic stereotypes of a constantly moaning, nagging woman. She doesn’t have anything positive to say for the film’s mercifully short runtime.
We are given little reason to care about these characters, or their relationship. Adam is bland, and Heather is a nightmare – why are we invested in them being together or breaking up? The acting could be better, but it really is the script that’s at fault here. A short film can be well shot, edited and directed, but we need some sort of hook that holds our attention, even if it’s for under ten minutes.
The costumes also make little sense. Granted, the couple are traversing the Welsh countryside in what looks like winter, so their jeans and puffy jackets are welcome. But they’re on their way to a wedding and haven’t brought any bags from the car with them. Costumes and props shouldn’t be an afterthought. Even in short films with limited budgets, as they can be an unwelcome distraction.
While Williams does show some potential as a director in Distance, let’s hope she gets to work with better material in the future. If the concept and plot of a short film is going to be as simple as it is here, the acting and dialogue really need to sell it. Unfortunately, the writing and acting are just not strong enough. Granted, there is some pretty Welsh countryside, but that’s really the only positive here. A shame.