Concealer is an insightful short feature which proposes a very ambitious discussion of a pressing contemporary concern – falling victim to multi-level marketing schemes. At first sight, the phone call playing in the background, as well as the first scene that follows, are guaranteed to get you hooked to this seemingly eerie experience.
After accepting a recent invitation to visit her friend, whom she has not seen in a long time, Ivy (Kristine Gerolaga) and Bless (Stacie Gancayco-Adlao) get together and spend some time catching up on each other’s current lifestyle. Suspecting that something bizarre has taken hold of Bless’ life, Ivy begins to question her arrival at her ultra-modern residence.
The short film written and directed entirely by its lead, filmmaker Kristine Gerolaga, firstly premiered on ATTN: and Amazon Fire TV back in 2019. This acclaimed female director is no stranger to crafting shows and films which tackle areas of global interest. She has previously developed Starring Kristine, a series of empowering micro shorts told from the perspective of an Asian American woman, whom she also portrays.
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Another remarkable personal project that is worth-mentioning and critically relevant to present circumstances is 2015’s A Period Drama. Illustrating the tense relationship between a young woman and her sanitary pad, which has been personified for a more suggestive depiction of the story. This short was given the highest prize at the Broad Humor Awards in 2015.
Concealer is arranged in a truly intriguing setting, providing a spellbinding viewing experience. One with which audiences wish to engage so they could intertwine and guide the protagonists down the right path. Ultimately coming to the overwhelming conclusion that what has already been done is irreversible now.
Perhaps, this idea is the most impressive way of foreshadowing the potential outcome of the plot. The direction, as well of the story brought to life through it, a memorable testimony of Gerolaga’s ingeniosity and talent as a filmmaker. The relative simplicity of the script is complementary to its effectiveness, certainly ringing true with the audience it is dedicated to.
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Spanning vast topics which deserve our undivided attention, Concealer focuses on many of society’s problems. Which even today have not ceased to exist and continue to persuade masses and misinform the public.
The astounding visual editing techniques by Steven Krimmel, who plays Manny, will immerse you deep into this awkward encounter that is bound to leave viewers short of breath. The special role in properly projecting the audience right in the centre of the madness could be achieved only by the talented Alex Wroten and Jesse Malings, who composed and designed the original music and sound effects for the piece.
All things considered, Gerolaga’s piece is a must-watch. Concealer is my first time reviewing a short, but after this extremely delightful experience, I am now much more invested in discovering the complex world of short films. In its over-the-top portrayals and exaggerated depiction, the narrative is of alarming accuracy and social value, mocking not only the controversial marketing schemes, but also the principles the entire idea stands on.
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