My Baby Cries

A woman's struggle to deal with her issues damages the relationship between her and her partner.

Sara (Elizabeth) and Abe (Asante) are a couple who seem to be going through tough times due to Sara's state. She appears quiet, isolated and sad and barely communicates with Abe, giving him short answers and being uninterested in what he says. She is more pleasant when she takes care of her baby, however it becomes apparent that she is dealing with very serious problems.

With her directorial debut, Elizabeth creates a heartbreaking story that deals with issues she herself has experienced and they are vividly portrayed in this short film. The audience are introduced to a situation that involves an unhappy couple, although it is not clear what is wrong. As the story progresses, more and more clues come to light, indicating that some things are not what they seem to be, and the devastating plot twist at the end finally explains everything. The narrative begins intensely, then goes quiet, then heavy drama follows.

Both protagonists deliver emotional performances. Elizabeth is a person who has gone through a terrible event that has made her socially distant and melancholic, with little interest in anything, apart from being a mother. Asante is her supportive partner who is deeply concerned about her well-being, however, he does not know how to help her.

Director of photography Benjamin Thompson develops wonderful cinematography and Gaby Ambler creates music that is tender and dramatic and includes a beautiful piano score.

This is an unpleasant viewing, however it is a powerful piece of work that raises awareness of safe pregnancy and explores issues regarding mental health, loss, grief and trauma and the effects these can have on a person. It is a distressing and moving film that deserves a great deal of praise and recognition.