Sloppy Sunday

Sloppy Sunday, written and directed by Cristoff LeBlanc, is an unapologetically sharp about exploitation, misogyny and excruciating choices women face.

We hear before we see. Off screen, a male voice screams ‘I got you those heels so you can walk faster, not just look pretty’. Then, we meet Sweetheart (an objectifying non-name that really suits this story) where she works- on the road, as a prostitute. On this sloppy Sunday afternoon, a client approaches, and after a thought-provoking conversation, she decides to refuse him, which triggers the chain of events we see. This turning point scene gives the audience a glimpse into Sweetheart’s real mindset. Played skilfully by Ali Dusinberre, Sweetheart is young, trying to make ends meet. The question is will she go all the way in standing up for herself and her integrity?

Sloppy Sunday is a deeply American film- visually, narratively, and even its soundtrack- a scintillating selection of blues songs. Guns are unsurprisingly ubiquitous, almost characters unto themselves. They are noticeable props within great performances that are almost theatrical in how they drive the story, in particular Kris Salvi's unapologetic portrayal of Skinny, who is Sweethearts' boss.

This short crime thriller asks deep questions in regards to oppression, misogyny and life chances of today's young generally, in a sharp yet non-dramatic tone. Artistically, pulling off a story like this in short form, in the crime genre is a huge challenge, and it's one Sloppy Sunday rises to fully.