Agnes

A short drama directed by Nora Arnezeder, written by Arnezeder and Caitlin Keats and starring Kim Higelin.

Agnes (Higelin) is a young French woman who has recently moved to Los Angeles. The story begins with her babysitting two children in her apartment, playing games with them. Soon, their mother arrives to collect them and invites Agnes to a pool party. After they leave, Agnes proceeds to make a cake, before deciding to walk to the local supermarket to purchase one instead. There, she will find herself in a life-and-death situation.

This film begins as a simple drama about a woman starting a new life in the United States. The narrative follows her as she takes care of the children and prepares a cake in her kitchen, while receiving instructions by her mother over the phone. It is approximately two-thirds through that things take a sharp right turn, with chaos and desperation filling the air as an unknown assailant starts shooting up the place. In the blink of an eye, the atmosphere changes entirely, turning the story into a survival drama.

There is no non-diegetic music (except during the closing credits), creating a sense of realism and the handheld camera develops an uneven setting.

As the titular character, Agnes is a youngster who is working towards a new life in the U.S., as indicated by a piece of paper with information regarding an immigration lawyer. Her selflessness and bravery are evident when she saves an ant, when she assists an elderly woman and primarily during her heroic actions in the supermarket.

This is a story about beginning a new life and having aspirations. And it briefly addresses Hollywood stardom and American politics by referencing Marilyn Monroe and Barack Obama. From a different perspective, it serves as a commentary about gun violence in the United States and mass shootings. Crucially, the perpetrator (or perpetrators) is never shown. Who and why is not revealed, instead the focus is on the devastation caused by such events, people losing their life, people being terrorised, however, amidst all this, this short acknowledges bravery, selflessness and hope and seems to be carrying the message that insignificant things can provide some level of comfort during the darkest times.

This is a very dramatic film that definetely hits hard.