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Short film reviews from some of the best movies in the UK. Read reviews from some of the best short film critics. Short Film Reviews Welcome to the UK Film Review page for short film reviews . Here you will find some of the best and brightest sparks in a sea of cinema. Filmmakers from across the globe submit their short films to us to be reviewed, and our Contributors lovingly dissect them. If you would like one of our team to write a film review of your short film, please use the form on our Submit Your Film page Our short film reviews are written by passionate film critics across the UK and aim to highlight and promote terrific filmmaking when we find it. We are always honest with our reviews, so if you are looking to submit your short film for review, please do so knowing that we will not alter what we have said because you don't like it. There is a wealth of amazing talent in the short film industry, and we hope by writing film reviews about this underexposed creativity we can get your movies to a new audience...but we need your help. Please join in the chatter on our social media channels so that we can grow our community and share the joy. Use the buttons in the footer to Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and Subscribe to us on YouTube #supportindiefilm. The selection of short film reviews you see below are mostly for films submitted to us. In this instance, the filmmaker has requested us to watch and provide a short film review. Alternatively, visit our Latest Short Film Reviews page . Get Your Short Film Reviewed More Film Reviews A Life, or Two Nina Rawlingson The Foreboding: Fractured Madeleine Lavers Rhythmic Exercise with Priadi William Curzon Shhhhh Charlotte Spark Mintrix and the Elven Figurine Patrick Foley Swallows of a Damned Spring Chris Buick As You Wish Jason Knight The Circle Lee Sinden Peekaboo James Learoyd The Chronicles Of The Struggling Actor William Hemingway The Date William Curzon Paintbox Jason Knight AVALUDAN Matt Trapp Questionable Matt Trapp Bobby Matt Trapp Dead Air William Curzon The Quiet Ocean William Curzon Swiped James Learoyd Another Way Jason Knight The Last Show William Curzon The Odyssemen Patrick Foley Still Life (2026) Jason Knight Andrea Alive William Hemingway The Red Lips of the Octopus Callum Ewing Satoru Finn O'Toole Load More Reviews What is a short film review? A short film review is often written by a movie critic and it's their opinion on a film that is less than sixty minutes long. Short film reviews still explore every aspect of a movie. How do I write a short film review? Writing a short film review needs to cover multiple aspects of the movie. Including the script, the characters, performances, cinematography, score & sound design, editing and so on. Sometimes we consider the piece only as a short film; whether it works in that format, other times we may think of it as a "proof of concept" for something longer, or perhaps a piece of a web series/TV show. These can be important to consider when writing a short film review. How long should a film review be? A film review should be as long as the house style. Some publications provide lengthier reviews than others. A general minimum word count would be 500. This may be also for SEO reasons, as short film reviews that are longer may be more likely to rank higher on Google. The important thing to remember is that the review should be well-structured, not full of bloated points to fill up the word count. How much money do film critics make? Film critic salaries depend massively on their publication. Many film critics are freelancers, meaning they get paid per review and sometimes this is based on word count. Making money through film reviews can be challenging. Video Short Film Reviews Below you will find a selection of short film reviews in video form! This is where one of the UK Film Review Critics records their review and we upload it to our YouTube channel (as well as TikTok and Meta Reels in some cases). A Place to Fall Down Short Film Review by Chris Olson A short film about coping with loss and grief, film critic Chris Olson gave A Place to Fall Down 4 stars. Watch his video short film review here to here from the man himself about his thoughts and feelings. OK/NOTOK Short Film Review by Patrick Foley In this short film review from Patrick Foley, he gives us his opinion of the brilliant movie OK/NOTOK. Set in a futuristic world where AI robots are available as companions (as long as you can afford the subscription), it's a riveting piece. Betrayed Short Film Review by Chris Buick Film critic Chris Buick offers up a fantastic video short film review for Betrayed. A movie about a girl with special powers who, with the help of her protective father, must elude those who would use her for nefarious means.

Film reviews from some of the biggest movies in UK cinemas. We also review short films, indie films, and documentaries. Find a movie review now. Film Reviews Here at UK Film Review we like to tackle all kinds film reviews. Our writers come from all walks of life, and feel passionate about critiquing the movies they watch. From the latest Theatrical Releases to Short Films, Indie Films, Documentaries and even Animation, the contributors of UK Film Review are as eager to please as Dev Patel in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). If you are a filmmaker, or are working in film PR and want to promote one of your clients, please get in touch using the Submit Your Film button under the drop-down menu for Home. Take a look at our list of film reviews below from some of the hottest releases in UK cinemas. Simply click the image of the review you would like, or the title of the movie. Or use the search button to find the movie you are looking for. We have given any feature length film a star rating (out of 5) in order to help viewers sort the Citizen Kanes from the Waterworlds, the Inceptions from the Transformers. Michael Bay will be given a fair film review from our writers, but that probably will not go in his favour. Speaking of Filmmakers, head over to our Filmmaker Features page for awesome articles about some of the best filmmaking geniuses who ever lived. Movie Trailers are also available, either underneath the film reviews, or on the Movie Trailers page. And lastly, if you like your film reviews verbalised. Simply because reading is boring and listening is marvellous, then make sure you Subscribe to the UK Film Review Podcast. Our critics offer up some banterous opinions on the best and worst movies across all genres. Head over to the Podcast page, or click this link to go straight to iTunes. If you would like to read or view any of the following, simply use the navigation. Alternatively, you can click on one of the images to read the film reviews here, or simply have a ganders at the lovely movie artwork on display. Remember to listen to film reviews on our regular film podcast. GET REVIEWED average rating is 1 out of 5 Chum Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mintrix and the Elven Figurine Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Big Baby Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Yeti Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Tinsman Road Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Cookie Queens Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Ice Cream Man Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Holy Days Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Chronicles Of The Struggling Actor Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Due West Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Son of Sara Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 I Want Your Sex Read Review Spoilers in our film reviews As with all digital forms of expression sometimes people may find something that upsets them online. Spoilers can often be one of these things! Whilst we do our best to ensure that major plot points, twists, character deaths and celebrity cameos are not found in our reviews, it can sometimes be difficult to judge what each and every film lover on the planet would to be a spoiler. If you feel that one of our film reviews contains one too many details then please do let us (politely) know using our social media platforms. We may then take serious action, such as expelling the critic responsible from this and every other movie publication past and present, declaring war against the studio for leading our writer into temptation, or we may do nothing at all. To be honest, it is most likely going to be the latter unless some serious rules have been broken. You may also see some movie trailers in our reviews that could also contain potential spoilers. In which case anyone who is hoping to avoid these should probably not click the play button on them. Or click the play button, turn the sound down on your device, then leave the room for a least 28 minutes whilst the trailer finishes and leaves your life naturally. You may be wondering what you could do with all 28 of those minutes! Why not read some more film reviews on another device? Or make a short film of your cat playing with a piece of string? Spend it wisely guys and gals.

Reviews from the latest movies, short films, indie features and more. Check out the UK Film Review Reviews section. Latest Film Reviews The latest movie reviews from UK film critics, this is the page to find the newest reviews from our team. The UK Film Review critics are assembled from around the globe, covering all types of movies. Whether these are movie reviews for films currently in UK cinemas (or even globally) or for films on streaming sites such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney Plus, we cover them all. On this page you will also find the latest film reviews for indie and short films from the UK and around the world. Every month, UK Film Review receives a large selection of submissions from filmmakers requesting us to watch their independently made film and review it. We treat all movies the same and our reviews are never (ever) paid for! We do receive payment from PR companies and other filmmakers for services such as promoting their film, or skipping to queue, but this has nothing to do with the movie review itself. Whilst you will see our latest movie reviews here you should also follow UK Film Review on our social media profiles, as well as subscribe to our popular film podcast. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest releases, as well as the goings-on from our community of film lovers and critics. average rating is 3 out of 5 A Life, or Two Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Super Duper Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Foreboding: Fractured Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Rhythmic Exercise with Priadi Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Chum Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Shhhhh Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mintrix and the Elven Figurine Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Swallows of a Damned Spring Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 As You Wish Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Circle Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Big Baby Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Yeti Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Tinsman Road Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Cookie Queens Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Sombras Chinas Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Ice Cream Man Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Peekaboo Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Holy Days Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Black Men in Uniform: The Untold Story Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Chronicles Of The Struggling Actor Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Date Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ghosts Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Due West Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Paintbox Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Son of Sara Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 AVALUDAN Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Questionable Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bobby Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 I Want Your Sex Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Dead Air Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Noblestone Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Nightborn Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Spider-Man: Brand New Day Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Beau Ideal Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Remember Us Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Quiet Ocean Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Swiped Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Love Loaded Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Apocalypse Box Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 We Bury The Dead Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Another Way Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Motor City Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Dink Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Show Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Hadestown: The Musical Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Generation Necktie Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Odyssemen Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Orchard Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Brokenhearted Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Still Life (2026) Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Andrea Alive Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Reality Experiment Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Red Lips of the Octopus Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Dark Side of Night Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Satoru Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Summer Book Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Odyssey Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Good Neighbours Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 New Fears Eve Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Open A Eye Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Chekhov's Bun Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Once Upon a Superhero Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Where Fireflies Dance Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Home Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Pretty Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The HeartSmith Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Sanctuary Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Capitalist Decency stood the pro-Communist Party sympathizer up twice Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Moana Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Isolate Thief Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mockbuster Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Nothing to Lose Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Girl in the Refrigerator Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Outer Threat Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Glinting Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Rooted Out - Chapter One Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Limits Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 SkullHunter Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Therapy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Easy Sell Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 It's Not Goodbye - December Fades Official Music Video Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Thoughts She Left Behind Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Quiet Life Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Spades Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Still Life Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Starfisher Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Esistenza Zero Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Touch Me Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Different Shores Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Dead River Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Wayward Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Return to Elenore Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 TELEPROMPTER - Late Night Television Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Goldfish Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Thoughts & Prayers Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Friend of the Enemy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Camp Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Supergirl Read Review

Harbinger (2026) Directed by: James Crow Written by: Harry Boxley, Simon Cluett Starring: Peter Woodward, Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott, Nick Nevern Film Review by: Holly Baker ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Harbinger (2026) is a thrilling, feature-length supernatural horror film. The film is directed by experienced horror writer and director James Crow. Crow has exclusively worked within this gory genre, with previous works such as the Christmas scarer Nightmare on 34th Street (2023) and the folk horror/mystery thriller Curse of the Witching Tree (2015) gaining a fair amount of traction and critical praise. Harbinger continues his legacy, with a gripping original story and striking visuals, and fresh, talented faces, adding marvellously to the continuously growing genre. Horror is certainly having its moment on the cinema stage now in 2026. Films like Curry Barker’s Obsession (2025) and Kane Parson’s Backrooms (2026) are huge successes, both putting an original spin on the genre, using it to provoke ideas, and playing on our biggest fears. Similarly to Backrooms and Obsession, Harbinger uses themes like desire and identity to create fear, warping relationships, family, and intimacy to elicit discomfort. The aspect of identity has always been a huge influence in the horror genre. This is seen in the emergence of the gothic genre, which had creatures of the night, Vampires who would walk among the rest of humanity, their evil nature undetectable and therefore all the more sinister. Harbinger plays excellently on that deep-rooted fear in all of us, that people we know are not who they say they are- starting with our protagonist's husband, Decker. Harbinger Official Film Trailer We are introduced abruptly to the disturbing truth behind Julia and Decker’s relationship ending. The couple had been happily married before Julia discovered Decker's gruesome habit of demon worship and serial femicide. This is all revealed in the film’s brutal opening segment, in which Julia almost reaches her own fatal end, but fights back just long enough before authorities can shoot him down. This satisfying scene sets the story into motion, establishing Julia as a heroic and refreshing final girl character, breaking casting stereotypes, notably by being an older woman. Following this traumatic attack, Julia suffers from PTSD and is struggling to get her life back together. She is approached by keen showrunners of a ghost hunting TV show who ask for her involvement in their investigation of the house she shared with him. She reluctantly agrees, hoping to face her demons and be finally free of the hold Decker’s memory has on her. However, their evening of filming does not quite go to plan, as something truly evil seems to reside within the home that the crew are no match for… Like Obsession, with its infamous “One Wish Willow”, Harbinger brings in traditional folk horror aesthetics of the divine supernatural. In the house, the crew stumbles across a fortune-telling Harbinger, which is fantastically horrifying in its playful yet sinister nature. The costume design in Harbinger is excellently fearful, with the use of practical effects, make-up, and masks which are incredibly creepy yet simple. In this simplicity, the film has a very British, Dr Who-esque feel to it, giving it a nostalgic and homely feel, solidifying its place within the British horror landscape. By utilising the darkness of the house, combined with neon lighting, particularly the focus on sharp contrasts between blue and red, Harbinger is bursting with colourful character. The fearful atmosphere is buzzing with visual style, similar in look to Halina Reins’s brilliant satire comedy horror Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022), giving the film a smoky, fluorescent edge, and highlighting the dark shadows fabulously. The choice of containing the action within one space is always at the risk of the film becoming visually repetitive. However, the set design in Harbinger, with its intricate incorporation of the bedroom and bathroom spaces containing vulgar scares, certainly makes this risk pay off. This is all brought home by the cast and their brilliant performances. In typical British, Dr Who-like fashion, the most gruelling sequences are not so over the top, with the performances remaining committed, but wholly naturalistic as the story goes on. Though only featured briefly, Peter Woodward AKA Decker is fantastically vibrant in his villainous role. Decker’s evil is conveyed alluringly, charming and intriguing viewers into his darkness. Most notably, Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott is thrilling, and Julia is Harbinger’s final girl. Viewers can get a strong sense of her trauma and impressive bravery as she faces what she fears most. Overall, Harbinger excellently incorporates traditional horror tropes in original ways to convey a modern take on the genre. The film contains several striking visuals through honourable practical effects and lighting choices. Sothcott and Woodward carry the film’s most poignant moments through their naturalistic performances, with the support of a fully committed ensemble. Fans of contemporary horror such as Ready or Not (2019) will find the film satisfying, and a healthy amount of both scary and fun. Viewers may look forward to James Crow’s upcoming work, The Wicker Children, also on its way to be released in 2026 along with several other horror features and shorts. Harbinger is on UK digital 10 August and US digital 11 August from Miracle Media

Film Feature by Chris Olson There are certain casting announcements that instantly grab your attention and demand space on your calendar. When you pair two absolute titans of screen acting together in a pressure-cooker genre piece, anticipation levels inevitably hit the roof. That is precisely why audiences (and I) are counting down the weeks until writer and director Padraic McKinley’s acclaimed feature debut, The Weight, arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday, October 2nd, courtesy of Vertical. Ethan Hawke is a performer of immense versatility, but he has always held a special place in cinematic hearts for his sheer intensity. His blistering, Oscar-nominated turn opposite Denzel Washington in Training Day remains a high-water mark for crime cinema, while his grounded, nerve-shredding performance in the original The Purge proved he can anchor a high-concept survival thriller better than almost anyone in the business. Opposite him stands Russell Crowe, an actor whose screen presence commands immediate respect. Whether he is delivering iconic, towering gravitas in Gladiator or sinking his teeth into complex, heavyweight historical drama in Nuremberg, Crowe brings an undeniable power to every frame he inhabits. Seeing these two heavyweights share the screen for the first time in a tense, atmospheric period crime drama is the kind of cinema pairing movie lovers dream of. Set during the Depression era in 1933, The Weight follows Samuel (played by Hawke), a man cruelly torn away from his young daughter and thrown into a brutal prison camp. His only lifeline comes from Warden Clancy (Crowe), who presents him with a high-stakes deal: smuggle stolen gold out of a remote mine alongside a dangerous crew of fellow convicts, and he will earn his freedom. However, as the group treks into the unforgiving wilderness, the harsh terrain quickly becomes the least of their worries. Surrounded by paranoia, greed, and impending violence, betrayal begins to fester within their own ranks, forcing Samuel to risk everything to survive and reunite with his child. Drawing inspiration from the introspective, character-driven action cinema of the 1970s, McKinley’s film promises to balance gritty survivalist set pieces with intelligent dialogue and razor-sharp tension. The visual language is brought to life by Matteo Cocco’s vivid cinematography and a harrowing score from brothers Latham and Shelby Gaines. Alongside the lead duo, the film boasts what Screen Daily hailed as a "formidable ensemble," including Julia Jones, who brings dignity and defiance to her role as Anna, the sole woman in the group, as well as Austin Amelio, Avi Nash, and Sam Hazeldine. The early word on the film has been exceptionally strong. Following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Variety praised the production, noting that "Hawke is a classical hero" delivering a muscular, resourceful performance as a man pushed to his absolute limits, while Crowe provides a quietly menacing foil as the calculated warden. With its blend of period grit, survivalist tension, and world-class acting, The Weight looks set to be one of the autumn’s absolute highlights.

Film Feature by Jason Knight (amended Apr 2026 to include William Curzon's review) #8 - The Last Laugh (review by William Curzon) ★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Zachary Coleman Starring: Zachary Coleman, Samuel Lawrence The Last Laugh is a short piece that follows a police officer (Samuel Lawrence) apprehending a clown (Zachary Coleman) with their two opposing ideals at odds. Despite the film's incredibly brisk runtime, it wastes no time building tension and executing its ideas almost immediately. While there isn't much material to sustain a feature-length runtime, the filmmakers clearly intended to execute their distinct vision as depicted on screen. The most impressive aspect of The Last Laugh is its camerawork and fluid editing choices, which are on display. Dan Abrams, serving as both cinematographer and editor for the piece, utilises unique framing choices, including extreme close-ups during moments of severe conflict, and switches to wide framing to give the viewer a sense of the surrounding area. It's an incredibly visceral experience that doesn't let up until its final moments. However, without any prior context to the arising conflict between the two central characters, it's difficult to comprehend what is actually occurring, as the narrative throws the viewer in the deep end, requiring them to decipher what has led to this confrontation. It's a deeply frustrating aspect of the piece due to the lack of character development or thematic purpose, aside from the brief exploration of crime themes. The brief use of music is incredibly impactful and accompanies the severity of the conflict extremely well. Going into the film blind is genuinely a rewarding experience as it's a rather unique piece of indie filmmaking that relies only on a single dispute between two opposing ideologies. While the narrative isn’t fleshed out much, it's extremely refreshing to see an uncompromised vision executed to this level of absurdity. Despite the film having fairly sparse material to work with, the filmmakers do their best to convey their talent with such raw production value. Its absurd nature is commendable, and the narrative does sweep the rug from under the viewer with a shocking twist. #7 - Line of Sight ★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Jamie B-Brown Starring: Bertie Taylor Smith, Holly Ashman A lonely man is obsessed with a young woman. Francis (Smith) is a socially awkward young man who appears to fancy Erica (Ashman), a friendly girl who works at a cinema. He follows her around and takes pictures of her without her knowing. Finally, he decides to approach her, however, things will take a dramatic turn. This short is kind of a stalker thriller that is seen from the perspective of an unusual individual. Initially, it is not clear whether he is a good or a bad person. He secretly follows and photographs a person, yet his intentions appear to be harmless, as he seems to want to be in a relationship with her. Smith delivers a convincing performance as an isolated individual who has difficulties socialising. His love for photography appears to be a way for him to view and experience the world. Ashman is great in her role as a cheerful cinema worker. The filmmakers make effective use of slow motion and the dramatic music helps create the appropriate atmosphere. This is a dramatic story and one that explores themes of obsession and loneliness. It raises awareness of autism and presents challenges that people with social difficulties have to face. #6 - April ★★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Jamie B-Brown, Spencer Anderson Starring: Ruby Rae, Oscar King, Cara Kealy In a hostile, post-apocalyptic world, a man escorts his daughter to a place called 'The Vale'. This short science fiction drama introduces the viewer to a world where danger seems to be constant. The story is told from the perspective of a family, whose members are forced to try to survive in that place. These people are Jordan, the father (King), Natalie, the mother (Kealy) and April, the daughter (Rae), who possesses extraordinary abilities. The three of them live in a hidden location in the wilderness and one day, Jordan and April set off to locate a group of people, who will hopefully be able to help April control her powers. Although the screenplay does a decent job in terms of setting up a post-apocalyptic world, it does not explain how it happened, which is not a bad thing, however, it would have helped if there was some form of explanation. The main focus is the relationship between the father and his daughter. The two of them have their differences, however, it becomes obvious that they care deeply for each other. The performances are great, and the three protagonists are convincing in their roles as good-hearted individuals attempting to survive in a harsh world. The film benefits from a beautiful and sentimental score and a special mention goes to Renato Solca for the visual effects. This short is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi that is a story about a journey that is filled with emotion and explores themes of parenting, survival and self-discovery. #5 - As You Wish ★★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Spencer Anderson Starring: Elliot Cable, Gillian Broderick, Natasha Robinson Spencer Anderson writes, produces, edits, and directs this short psychological drama, starring Elliot Cable, Gillian Broderick, and Natasha Robinson. The plot: World War II is taking place, and a young soldier named Peter (Cable) is at a carnival, where he visits Helen (Broderick), a fortune teller, hoping that she can reveal news regarding Sheila (Robinson), his beloved partner. Helen will do so, bringing to the surface revelations that will deeply distress Peter. This relatively short story manages to explore a number of significant themes and they include war trauma, desperation, comfort, regrets, and painful revelations. A World War II story. A romance. A tense and emotional film about a soldier battling with himself as he faces unexpected discoveries. #4 - Super-Being ★★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Spencer Anderson, Dale Dandridge, Jamie B-Brown, Moyo Taylor Starring: Zachary Coleman, Juke Hardy, Nate Barker, Issie Caird An individual who has supernatural powers is being pursued by sinister people. This science-fiction thriller explores the life of a person with otherworldly abilities. The nonlinear narrative travels through time between scenes that show the protagonist as a young man and scenes that show him as a child. The audience sees the passing of his mother, his attempts to live a normal life and the efforts he makes in order to deal with the people who are after him. There is drama, shooting, life-threatening situations and the sense of an individual who is lost, who seems to be unable to find peace. Much of the story is accompanied by narration by the main character, as he talks about his life and his words are emotional and sound philosophical. Jermaine Wills and Filipas Proskurinas do an amazing job with the cinematography and the atmospheric score is a big plus. Although this is interesting viewing, it might have benefited if the hero's powers were explained more effectively. Nevertheless, this short is an emotional and tense ride about loss and self-discovery. #3 - Satellites ★★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Spencer Anderson Starring: Tamzin Murray An astronaut is by herself, on another planet. This beautiful and emotional short focuses on a young woman (Murray), who has found herself on an uncharted planet and attempts to navigate through it on foot. The mise-en-scene in this drama effectively brings the viewer into the science fiction genre. The protagonist wears a spacesuit, there is a spaceship and she is on a distant, unknown planet. Regarding the narrative, there is not much of that and it is the images and narration that keep the audience engaged. The viewer observes the woman as she walks through the planet, wearing her spacesuit. She is the only person in the film and there is a strong feeling of isolation. Her voice-over refers to issues about life and the meaning of existence and listening to her is quite thought-provoking. Ben Hardy worked on the cinematography and editing and does a great job. The decision to utilise the track Surrender It by Delectatio was excellent as it is a wonderful and very calming peace that creates a peaceful atmosphere. This is a story that focuses on one person's philosophical perspective regarding life. On the surface it is a sci-fi, however it is more than that and explores themes of isolation and self-discovery. #2 - Rock-a-Bye ★★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Jamie Bhagwat-Brown, Spencer Anderson Starring: Yazzmin Newell, Samuel Lawrence A young woman makes a crucial decision on the day she and her partner are about to commit a crime. An intriguing short film that works as a crime thriller and also as a story about self-reflection. As a crime film, it has a plot that revolves around the idea of a couple being outlaws. According to director Anderson, this short was made with Western-era influences that involve films such as Blood Simple and Badlands and that is evident considering the storyline and atmosphere. Plus, part of the filming was done at the Burnout BBQ Diner in Summertown, Oxford, giving the film a sort of Americanised look. What is going on is not clear from the beginning, making the viewer to put the pieces together as the story unfolds and what is discovered is that the couple are about to do something very vile. As a film about self-reflection, that theme is explored through Carla (a great performance by Newell), who makes a vital last-minute discovery and makes a crucial decision. Newell is terrific in her role; however Lawrence is arguably the one who steals the show as Clay, Carla's partner, an aggressive and controlling man. With his sixth short, Anderson creates an expertly directed film that contains a great deal of suspense and with terrific performances by the two leads, a dramatic and tense score by Reg Length and beautiful cinematography by Jermaine Wills, this is an achievement that deserves recognition. #1 - Fallen ★★★★★ Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Spencer Anderson Starring: Zachary Coleman, Michael Watts This short drama was inspired by the reminiscences of Gilbert Bradley, who was a British soldier who exchanged letters with his male partner while he was fighting World War II. Through a nonlinear narrative, this emotional war film tells the story of a forbidden romantic relationship and how these two people tried to keep in touch during the war. Approximately the first half consists of the reading of a letter that was written by one man and addressed to the other and the second half is the opposite. Both contents of the letters are told through a voice-over that comes from the one who wrote it. Their words are passionate and full of emotion, clearly indicating the love that they feel for each other. The narration is accompanied by many brief scenes that depict the lives of the two partners, including one man in a library, reading a letter, scenes of combat, a bonfire and the two men together. The scenes and the voice-over make it all a rather moving watch. With its narrative structure, the film almost feels like a ten-minute-long trailer, which is not a negative element but a rather interesting storytelling technique. Jermaine Will provides wonderful cinematography and the emotional score goes very well with the scenes and voice-over. The mise-en-scene also deserves a lot of praise as it effectively creates a Second World War atmosphere. This is an emotional ride that is very heavy on emotions and explores a romance that is being torn apart by war. It is a beautiful story about love, separation and war and it deserves recognition. #JasonKnight