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★★★★
Directed by: JD Roth-Round
Written by: Adam Starkey, Leo Bidewell
Starring: Leo Bidewell, Adam Starkey
Someone is not very happy with somebody else and they intend to do something about it. Shot in black-and-white, this revenge story examines how far a person is willing to go in order to get even.
Neil (Bidewell) is in the London Underground, waiting for a train. Once he gets on, he spots a man (Starkey) and appears to have taken an interest in him. He follows him outside the station and through crowded streets, until he approaches him and tells him that he knows he is Bradley. Neil tells him he is a photographer and enquires if he would be interested in a James Bond related photoshoot. Bradley agrees and goes to Neil's apartment. Once there, he is subdued by Neil and handcuffed to a chair, his face painted in a manner that resembles a clown. Neil believes Bradley wronged him and is seeking justice.
Most of the narrative of this revenge thriller takes place inside Neil's household and focuses on the confrontation between the two leads. It explores what Bradley did that made Neil so angry and what Neil's intentions are, which do not appear diplomatic.
There is great tension as Bradley is helpless and completely under his captor's control, while Neil shouts at him and waves a variety of objects at him, such as a golf club, a bladed tool and a hammer, indicating that he has very bad intentions. He is also wearing a plastic suit.
Bidewell is terrifying as a man who wants revenge. He behaves like a madman, shouting, swearing and threatening his captive. His face expressions do a good job in showing his emotions and he reveals his nervousness with his actions, such as by clutching a newspaper or drinking aggressively. He clearly is a person who is ready to explode. Starkey is convincing as man who is succeeding in life and has no regrets.
The filmmakers use very creative editing, utilizing split screen and wipe transitions to great effect. The camera is handheld and shakes a great deal throughout the film and there are plenty of closeups. The music provided by Deviance goes well with the story's mood. It is tense and sinister and adds great value.
This short has many nail-biting moments and Bidewell's over the top performance as a deranged man should not be missed. This is an achievement worthy of a lot of praise.
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