Blowing Up

Dedicated to his late father, this short drama is A.J. Fitzgerald's directorial debut, that he also wrote and it stars Maria Todero, Tenaya Cleveland, Danielle Rodd and Don-Dimitri Joseph.

Janine is not well. It is her 30th birthday and she has not been well for ages due to a loss. Her condition has alienated her from her loved ones, damaging her relationship with her partner, Scott (Joseph), testing her friendship with co-worker Miranda (Rodd) and causing her to ber less competent at work, much to the dissatisfaction of her boss (Cleveland). Scott and Miranda are planning to take Janine to a restaurant for the special occasion and there, things will get quite dramatic.

Here is the thing: Janine is an inflatable doll. Just a doll, lying on a bed, sitting at a desk at work, listening to a smart speaker or sitting at a table at a restaurant with friends. She is treated by others as an actual person: they talk to her the same way they would speak to a friend and the doll is also dressed in clothing, although she does not move or speak, she seems to be an object, not one that is magically alive. The fact that a doll appears to be the protagonist and all characters view her as a real person is probably what makes this film stand out the most, as it is an intriguing technique. The reason that Janine is presented as a doll is revealed eventually, meanwhile one cannot help but wonder whether the doll possesses supernatural powers or whether the characters have lost their mind. Without spoilers, the answer is neither. With a doll as a protagonist, this story goes into deep drama, filled with emotional pain and confrontations with the atmosphere being enhanced by Julien Monette's music.

Throughout the film, several quotes appear that are about a variety of themes, such as happiness and bravery. Although their apparent intention is to add further meaning to the viewing, ultimately, they are not required in order for the film to have an impact.

The performances are strong. Rodd and Scott play characters who are concerned about Janine's well-being but do not seem to be able to get through to her. Cleveland plays a different role, that of a selfish employer who is more concerned about people's performance at work than their mental health. Todero is arguably the one who stands out the most, thanks to her terrific job as a broken woman who is being torn apart by loss and has become isolated.

The film begins with a title card stating that this story contains distressing subjects such as grief and depression and it is a correct statement as what follows heavily involves these themes and it also brings attention to alienation, anger, self-reflection and the importance of support. Furthermore, the significance of smart speakers is brought forward, how much people rely on these devices in today's world.

A dramatic and emotional story about loss that focuses on the aftermath of a passing. Great acting, great drama and a doll as a protagonist being the most memorable aspect. Doll aside, this film does not differentiate itself much from other films that deal with similar subjects.