Safe

A powerful short drama directed by Govind Chandran, written by Chandran and Kelsey Cooke and starring Cooke, Fran St Clair and Olivia D'Lima.

Through the eyes of a helpline counsellor, this film acknowledges very important issues. The work-from-home counsellor is Iris (Cooke) and one day she receives a call from a young woman named Sophie (Clair). Initially, this appears to be a calling for support regarding problems in the likes of career aspirations and self-esteem. However, it is not long before Iris begins to suspect that Clair might be trapped in an abusive relationship.

A very dramatic story about domestic abuse. From one perspective, this film can be perceived as a drama and psychological thriller that also does a great job in developing mystery and suspense, with Iris piecing together all the clues that she gets from Clair's phone call and concluding that there is something very serious going on and Benjamin Doherty's sentimental music being a terrifc assistance in creating a dramatic atmosphere.

Another way to look at this short is through the themes that it explores. Rather evidently, domestic abuse is at the centre, although no violence is shown, as the whole story takes place inside Iris' home and Sophie is never seen, her presence being solely her voice. The screenplay brings attention to the signs that indicate an abusive relationship, including Sophie's anxious and sad voice and her call being abruptly interrupted, probably by her partner. Additionally, this story also points out the importance of reaching out for help, even discreetly and strongly supports the message that victims of domestic violence are not alone and that help can always be reached. It is also revealed that sometimes, when cases involving domestic abuse are not dealt, it could be because the warning signs are not treated as such.

Since Cooke is the only person visually present in this short, her performance is vital in order for the film to work and she succeeds brilliantly in her portrayal of an experienced and caring counsellor and Chandran's decision to combine close-ups of her face and long takes reveal her impressive acting abilities. Praise also goes to Clair's performance, as although it is only through her voice that her character is present, she establishes a person who is suffering from an abusive relationship.

Interestingly, occasionally the film cuts to brief scenes of shots of the beach, with waves crashing on rocks. While these shots are beautiful, it is not clear what purpose they serve.

This short film raises awareness of domestic abuse and urges people who are being affected by it to seek help and this makes this project worthy of significant attention and massive commendations.