We all dream of getting away from the banality of existence. Masha Maroutitch explores this precise theme with Escape. That feeling when you are out of your head, not worrying about the pressures of the world, and just doing what you truly desire to do. That’s not a feeling many of us get to enjoy in this world, but Maroutitch gets to the root of that feeling.
A young woman (Erika Sviderskyte) takes a break in the back alley of her work. Sitting alone, she pops in headphones and fades away for a moment, until her boss interrupts her, snapping her back to reality. When her boss leaves, the woman again fades away into a peaceful sunset field, where she can dance freely and escape her pressures.
Though certainly evocative, the film just isn’t that substantial. At under four minutes, there isn’t much chance to extrapolate on anything plot-wise, but that’s not the point. That impossible feeling of freeing yourself from all your cares and worries, if just for a moment, is one most adults would kill for. Gone are bills, responsibilities, or demands. It’s just you, nature, and open artistic expression, free from any judgement or expectations.
That’s a difficult idea to convey through film, and Maroutitch and Sviderskyte do a fine job of conveying that freedom. Featuring Sviderskyte’s excellent dancing and the magic hour glow of uncomplicated cinematography, it’s a small but poignant effort.