Gloomy, humorous, and a nightmare. These words describe the three shorts below in their combined form, lasting a few minutes. Perhaps, it’s a reflection of Britain (I’m an American writing this, so I can only hypothesize). Perhaps, it is a glimpse into the minds of these three filmmakers in their small intricacies on different subjects. All three, in their images rather than words, are making a statement.
City Dreams – Dir. Madil Hardis
It is only two minutes, but Madil Hardis, who made and scored this short, presents a dreamy, yet bleakish state of London through black-and-white shots accompanied by a moody score. It invokes Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire, soaring over Berlin. But this short keeps it grounded with passersby, the English sky of mixed weather, and the Thames that cuts through London. It isn’t a travelogue showing Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, or The Shard, but rather a capsule of what London really is – a dream within a state of reality.
Afterplay – Dir. Iris Breward
In a five-minute short, a couple goes from climaxing, to finding an unwanted presence very much a buzzkill in their mood. Ever had that awkward moment, post-coitus? It’s a conversation that is a bit odd, but is it something else that punctuates the romantic mood? Well, director Iris Breward brings a bit of that awkward comedy to this segment of life. Where the elephant in the room, albeit a different type of animal, throws a wrench into the unorthodox romantic plans of a couple looking to explore the boundaries beyond their bedroom.
Oh, Rats – Dir. Amelia Clarkson
In a state of surrealism, a stay-at-home beauty influencer living with her rich boyfriend, discovers she has a unique rat problem. One that isn’t behind the walls without running mice, that is. The problem is a little more personal… Too personal for the influencer. It’s a bit of a horror show with the Cronenberg-esque imagery, but it is a real “long live the new flesh” moment as the beauty encounters a small, but terrifying beast that some people still maintain a phobia for. Or, have a go and say bon appetit.
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