Roundabout Short Film Review

alexjames96
3 hours ago
2 min read

★★★★★

Starring: #AishaHemissiLiu, #LucyMynard, #LyudHristov, #MichaelJames, #JoannaNsianguana

Roundabout is a short film directed by Patrick Sheard that focuses on modern day relationships, whether this be friendship or romantic. The audience are introduced to David and Stella, who wake up together after a heavy night out and are left awkward and uncomfortable after their encounter. After their night together, they part ways, however, this isn’t the last encounter they have. As the story develops, their lives begin to intertwine through connections and friendships with others, and they soon become linked again at a film premiere which looks rather familiar. Sheard displays the realities of adult relationships in its rawest form. In all honesty, no relationship is ever perfect, and navigating through the awkwardness, the excitement and mistakes of it, is all part in parcel of being an adult. Roundabout not only highlights the complexities of relationships but also the struggles of finding your career path or even socialising with friends. This short unpacks it all and clearly shows the realities of the adult world and is a self-reflective film that is intense and deep in every way.

The film is set in 2006 and explores the theme of dating in the modern world. The highs and lows and casual experiences we face where you can fall into bed with someone and feel so close and wake up the next morning completely confused and act like strangers the next day. The narrative to this short film is captivating, and it was clever to see how each story intertwined and linked all the characters. Each character was going through their own personal struggle or attempting to find what they want out of life and within a relationship. The story was able to connect with the audience on so many levels its extremely relatable, whether set in 2006 or 2025. Dating, careers and friendships are all as tricky to understand now as it what nearly 20 years ago, no one is wiser! Which makes this short very easy to connect with in every way.

Visually, Roundabout was beautifully shot, the colour and warm tones created a retro feel that felt distinctive. The acting was great from all the characters, occasionally the dialogue did not feel completely natural, but the reactions to certain situations such as the awkwardness of the morning after, did feel authentic and a realistic portrayal of that moment.

This is a creative short film, brilliantly tying several stories into one to create a charming and real short on the complexities of relationships.