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HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Left Behind Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Apr 24, 2022 Directed by: Matthew R. Ford Written by: Matthew R. Ford Starring: Savannah Gallo, Grace Farrell Two young women discuss the abuse they both suffered at the hands of the same man. Kat (Gallo) is being visited by her friend Melissa (Farrell) at her home. Both have gone through terrible times after having a relationship with a violent and controlling man. Initially, that man was Cat's partner and he then moved on to Melissa. Kat openly talks about the torturous moments she went through while being with that vile individual and Melissa accuses her of allowing him to do the same to her by not warning her about the kind of person that he was. This short is quite an emotional roller-coaster. The dramatic screenplay strikingly explores the nightmare both women went through and reveals that they are deeply traumatised by their experiences. The plot also focuses on themes regarding domestic abuse, guilt and forgiveness. The atmosphere is rather sad and distressing throughout and listening to the inhuman things that man did to the two of them is heartbreaking. Things become a bit brighter when one describes happy memories involving a cabin in the countryside, although that does not last long. Generally, this story explores the aftermath of an evil man's actions, which includes emotional wounds that will never heal. And the plot twist makes things even more devastating. Both Gallo and Farrell deliver very powerful and emotional performances. They are quite convincing as victims of domestic abuse who have been scarred by their ordeals and they vividly express their emotions. The entire story takes place inside Kat's living room, and it is a rather unappealing site. The window blinds are down, there is an empty alcohol bottle, picture frames are overturned and one frame is on the floor, smashed into pieces. The state of this room reflects the kind of negative emotions that she is going through. The music includes beautiful piano and the score also becomes tense and sinister. The film opens with the song Behind the Wall by Tracy Chapman, sung wonderfully by Farrell, which is about police not doing enough to prevent domestic violence and it was a great choice as it refers to the film's subjects and helps set up an appropriate atmosphere. As the director of photography, Daniel Alexander develops outstanding cinematography and Ford does a great job with the editing, making effective use of fast cutting techniques. There are some scenes that utilise very creative filmmaking methods, which involve a shot of a window with the blinds closed. During these shots, another shot of a flashback is superimposed over the window, in a way giving the viewers the impression that they are actually looking outside, through the window. This short is not a pleasant viewing, however it is a powerful one and raises awareness of domestic violence. It focuses on the physical and mental scars that this kind of action causes and how it ruins people's lives. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Megan Deacon Megan Deacon is a writer for UK Film Review, providing insightful film reviews. Follow On Twitter Read My Film Reviews

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS This Is Your Song Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Nov 25, 2023 Directed by: Hassan Said Written by: Hassan Said, Lourdes Figueroa Starring: Briana Walsh, Jordan Potch Disclosures cause a young couple to go through a rather turbulent evening. One of the most memorable aspects of this feature length drama is the way it was filmed, which was to make it appear like a two-hour-plus single take, much like the 2014 film Birdman , although that does not apply to the last five minutes or so. By utilising that form of fimmaking, the events in the narrative take place in real time, with the camera (and the audience) following the protagonists from a theatre stage, to the dressing room, to the building's bar, to the streets of San Francisco and finally to their apartment. The camerawork is brilliant throughout, creating wonderful visuals that are supported by Peggy Peralta's terrific cinematography. The story follows Jules (Walsh), a talented theatre actress and her husband James (Potch), a writer. The screenplay begins with Jules on stage, ending the play she is starring in, then she chats with a colleague friend, has an awkward conversation with a businessman, before meeting with James and the two of them walk back home. It is when the couple get together that the plot focuses entirely on them. Initailly, things seem OK between them: they look happy together, have good jobs, live in a nice apartment and it is actually their seventh wedding anniversary. As the story progresses, more and more revelations create drama and tension. Without giving too much away, James announces that he has a new job, which means that they will have to move out of San Francisco and Jules disapproves, a positive pregnancy test follows, along with confessions of infidelity. All this leads to an anniversary celebration turning into a rather unpleasant environment, with a great deal of crying, arguing, shouting and confrontations, but also comforting and a passionate sex scene. The story is basically a couple's relationship that is on the brink of collapse and Walsh and Potch's are outstanding in their portrayals of two people who are a married couple, yet they have contradicting views regarding life and keep secrets from each other. Jules is passionate about her profession and wishes to pursue it, while James is willing to abandon writing in favour of a more profitable and realistic career. This, along with the revelations, will turn their evening into an endless barrage of accusations, insults and monologues, creating an atmosphere that is emotionally almost unbearable, espeacially with the convincing acting of the two lead's and Brad Fischer's dramatic, beautiful and tense score that creates melancholic and distressing feelings. This film is about a couple's unstable relationship during a life-changing evening. It is a story that involves revelations, confessions, confrontations, flaws, regrets, self-reflection, pursuing dreams and making life-changing decisions. The script, the acting and the score make this a moving and powerful viewing that explores what makes a strong relationship. Is it trust? Is it support? Is it understanding each other? Beautifully filmed, it is an emotional roller-coaster and one that does not fail to be intriguing during its long duration and the closing montage is rather moving. This Is Your Song is currently available on Amazon Prime Video. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

★★★★ Directed by: #ChristopherDeakin Starring: #GemmaWhiteley, #AdamMercuryBrown, #JoyceBranagh, #AshleyGregory, #EleanorJessicaRoberts Short Film Review by: Alexandra James A Happy Ending is a spoof reality television show that pokes fun at some of the court room dramas we see today. The show focuses on a young married couple and displays their inner conflicts with one another. For wife Lizzie, she is prepared to divorce her husband for not ever being able to satisfy her in all areas…but specifically in the bedroom! This dark comedy is a combination of Judge Judy, Love Island dramas and absurdity all wrapped up in a show called ‘Out of Order.’  For main character Lizzie, regrettably, this was unforgiveable, and she was ready to take her life into her own hands, her husband’s money and then leave him! However, as the drama progresses, certain secrets come to light and the audience discover that Lizzie is not as squeaky clean as she presents herself to be. As like many of these shows, the audience feed off this scandal and the juicier the scandals become, the better! The short film begins in a court room, its all lights, camera action as the jury take their seats and listen to Ms Who’s tales of woes and the lack of satisfaction she has had to endure for a good few years. Their marriage is in turmoil and there’s no coming back from this, especially when we find out husband David Ducksoup has been going to certain places alone to get his kicks elsewhere…For our Judge this appeared to be a clear-cut case, however, certain witnesses began to shed light on the couple’s marriage which left the judge having to make some tough decisions. A Happy Ending is a witty and outrageous film that keeps you hooked until the very end. It was great to see some of those ‘behind the scenes’ moments where the director instructs some of the reality stars to add more tears at this point or show your angry side when you say this line. Many people believe each scene is authentic and completely unfabricated. However, nothing we see on TV is ever how it truly is, which made for a hilarious premise and managed to break down that wall between fact and fiction and showed us exactly what was behind the curtain. The characters themselves were very funny and combined with the comical storyline and dialogue, it makes for an entertaining show that I would certainly be investing in if it came into fruition!

★★★ Starring: #DevonGrevious, #NateReynolds, #TylerMcCray Directed by: #NateReynolds Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Shear Disturbance focuses on the theme of anxiety and how much it can affect day to day activities such as the simple act of getting a haircut. For protagonist Tyronne, this typical action becomes far more than that and is such a trigger that he becomes completely consumed by even the thought of it. This can be a very real experience for many people that suffer with anxiety, it can become debilitating and stop you from going about your daily life. Director Nate Reynolds portrays these struggles and highlights the importance of patience and understanding when interacting with a person struggling to keep their anxiety under control. The narrative itself is very simple and I think although this is a short film, it would have been great to truly expose the pain within the anxiety. It would have helped the storyline further to pull back the covers of Tyronne’s mind and provide the audience a sense of what it feels like to have this fear. The physical signs were apparent with the trembling and shyness when speaking to the barbers. However, a cutaway of Tyronne’s mental state would convey the severity and seriousness of his condition. It was interesting to see the negativity towards Tyronne as well, the barber seemed to have little to no patience and believed that Tyronne was wasting his time and essentially fooling around. Nate was able to suggest that we need to be more perceptive and recognise the signs of anxiety to help that person and bring them into a calmer and more relaxed environment to support and keep their anxiety under control. Unfortunately, for Tyronne, the experience became all too much, and he was unable to control his emotions and left the shop disappointed in himself. However, another barber came out after him and reassures him that he is not alone. In fact, he has also experienced these feelings and encourages Tyronne to speak with someone to overcome his struggles. Shear Disturbance has a message within, and director Nate Reynolds uses this short film to tear down the stigma and shame of living with anxiety and instead, Reynolds concentrates on the importance of speaking about this subject and sharing these struggles as this will ultimately educate others to understand more about the experience as well as learn how to help and manage them.

★★★★★ Starring: #IsidoraFairhurst, #MiaMckennaBruge, #RitaBernardShaw, #DaniDyer, #MalachiPullarLatchman Directed by: #TeddyNygh Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Watch What I Do is an all-female cast and short drama. It focuses on 3 teenage girls in secondary school attempting to navigate their way through friendship, social status, and their love for basketball. Being a teenager today can be a difficult transition, emotions and arguments become heightened and at this point in life. Conflicts at this age are all consuming and it becomes difficult to break away and see the light, as well as ignore the negativity. This becomes the case for protagonist Layla, as she struggles to become friends with the new girl joining the group. Layla often feels excluded and is unable to connect with Nikki, who chooses to disregard or shame Layla as a form of one-upmanship making her appear to be the ‘popular’ friend out of the group. Layla must find a way to channel her anger and focus on what is most important to her, true friendship, and her passion for sport. Layla’s skills in basketball become clear when she walks past a court and jumps at the chance to make a shot, she is encouraged by the other players to join and be a part of the team. However, through fear of ridicule she shy’s away from this opportunity and ignores their praise. Instead, she is left feeling embarrassed and even more of an outcast by showing an interest in the sport. It became evident that Layla has some form of anger issues which she needs to work on. Layla often represses these thoughts of violence and aggression; the viewer is given snippets of Layla’s frustrated mind with use of cutaway shots. Her anger becomes fuelled when faced with conflict, and unfortunately for Layla she becomes tested to her limit as Nikki starts to put a wedge between her and her friendship with Kezia. Layla has managed to control this anger for a long period of time, however, like a bubbling pot, it does not take long for this anger to spill. The characters are extremely relatable, especially to teenagers growing up and learning to adapt and change throughout their school years and rise above the hate. Director Teddy Nygh breaks down some of the barriers that stop kids from being their true selves. Nygh highlights that for Layla, basketball gives her the chance to channel her energy, focus and discover some new friends who follow a similar passion. This was a great story, and the characters were able to really convey that emotion of betrayal, fear, hurt but also happiness and the importance of friendship. It was an enjoyable watch and the interactions between each character were engaging throughout, you really feel for Layla’s character and want her to overcome her fears and see the true bond between her and Kezia.