Sister Wives Short Film Review

alexjames96
7 hours ago
2 min read

★★★★★

Starring: #MiaMcKenna-Bruce, #LouisaConnolly-Burnham, #MichaelFox

Sister Wives is a short romantic film directed by Louisa Connolly-Burnham, the film centres around an orthodox Mormon relationship. A husband and wife introduce a second wife to their relationship and with this brings challenges for the couple, as well as tension as the dynamic changes within the household. Living such a sheltered life only raises questions for the two wives, their daily activities are monitored constantly, and they often fear the consequences of questioning the status quo, as well as life outside the community. However, left alone in the home for a few days as husband Jerimiah is sent on a mission, the wives begin to open-up to one another and a romantic relationship begins to develop between the two. A narrative of forbidden love and repressed emotions.

Louise Connolly-Burnham director and star of this film creates a perfect balance of apprehension and curiosity within the character Kaidence. For many years Kaidence has served her husband, obeyed God and kept her opinions and thoughts very much to herself. However, when new wife Galilee enters the family home, although dismissive and even jealous was her initial response to a new wife, Kaidence eventually allows herself to be vulnerable. She shares with Galilee her worries and fears, even showing taboo literature she has kept hidden from her husband. Their relationship begins to blossom but into more than just friends. The chemistry between both women is one element to this film that is truly enticing, the subtle movements and intimate looks to one another highlight a strong passion between the two. This passion only becomes fuelled by the secrecy of their relationship, although their relationship is seen as a sin within their community, this only strengthens their connection as they find safety and comfort in one another.

I think what is great about this short is the symbolism that runs throughout. The location is very dark and isolated representing how the women feel within the community, away from civilisation and left with just their own repressed thoughts. Moreover, the costume designs, both women wear plain or pastel-coloured dresses, making the hidden red dress at the back of cupboard seem that much more vivid and a powerful symbol. It became apparent that the girl’s relationship begins to flourish, red being seen as a very sensual colour and displays the women breaking out of their wife persona and learning to explore their sexual identity.

Sister Wives is a deeply emotional short film that explores the theme of love, repressed desires and religion. The cinematography within this short, is shot beautifully and aids the story by feeding into the narrative with the isolated locations, moody atmosphere creating a gripping storyline. Both Louisa Connolly-Burnham and Mia Mckenna-Bruce’s performances are incredibly noteworthy, portraying an electrifying connection that draws in the audience from the start to finish.