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“Don’t Fear The Reaper” Review written by Jack Bottomley Short films are in many ways an even tougher undertaking than a full-length feature film, for it is paramount to create a narrative both enticing and concise. So with this said we venture into Writer/Director/Producer Luke Mordue’s 12 minute-long short film, The Reaper. The title evokes images of a haunting and ghoulish characters that have been drip fed to us over the many years of mythology and storytelling, yet at no point do we veer into the well trodden territory of such tales here. Indeed scythes are at a minimum; instead Mordue has used those preconceptions of “The Reaper” to fuel a very pulled back and often powerful story of human life and the egotism of our race and its philosophies. From the opening moments (which recall the home invasion genre) the story is appealing and quite intense. The film sees couple Josh (Jamie Hawes) and Kelly (Julia Leyland) awoken by strange noises downstairs, as the police are called Josh goes downstairs to investigate and interrupts a burglary. As he fails to catch the perpetrators, Josh goes back to the house to find that all is not quite as it seems. The story is a simplistic set up for a quite meaningful little tale of the human psyche. Some may be able to predict the central idea early on but most will likely be taken aback by how neatly this film delivers its ideology or by how the central figure of this film is presented. Jamie Hawes is realistic as Josh and while early on the character is a bit gruff, he comes to reveal a peak of emotion as the story unfolds. Julia Leyland has less time onscreen, so her character is more of a supporting element but Dana Smit makes up for that with an excellent co-starring turn. Her character is a neat spin on the film’s chosen concept and Smit gets the film’s best dialogue that hints at mankind’s primal arrogance in thinking they are superior to other life and above fate itself. Smit is both initially haunting and yet quite understanding and she is a powerful core to Mordue’s rather brilliant little story. Mordue’s film is well shot and paced, with the direction being focused (look out for Mordue, as he also appears in a cameo as a policeman) and the visuals are restrained and not over-stylised for dramatic effect. Plus Billy Jupp’s music is very atmospheric and effectively compliments the succinctly delivered story. At the heart there is a powerful tale being told here, that is cautionary and yet one that in its own way is reassuring. We all reach the same end in life and this film suggests that rather than fill our time with what we want to do, we should perhaps focus on what we can do. The Reaper is a good little watch that once again shows that the simplest of concepts can deliver something that is both enjoyable and thoughtful. A short film that is very much worth your time. Watch The Reaper below... #TheReaper #ShortFilmReview #JackBottomley #supportindiefilm #moviereviews #UKFilmReview

“In Light Of Us Dying” Review by Chris Olson *** Nicholas Cage stars in this born-out-of-Bourne Action/Thriller about a CIA agent, whose 22-year-old revenge fantasy to find the terrorist who once tortured him, is kicked up a gear when he finds out that both him, and his former torturer, are both dying. It is hard to get excited about a film like this, after a plethora of predecessors pushed the bar so high. The Euro-Thriller has a strong reputation for garnering popularity amongst film fans who, weary of Americanised action, found firm footing with their favourite American heroes taking out the Euro-Trash (Taken, Bourne, etc). However, the action-thriller has been superseded since the days of Damon. Now we need superheroes! Dying of the Light, whilst perfectly watchable and enjoyable, brings nothing new to the particular set of skills laid out before it. Cage, a mixed blessing at the best of times, delivers a good sermon on the dying reputation of intelligence agencies and the call-to-arms that was 9/11, but this is essentially the only remarkable scene. Everything else is mild espionage and Mission Impossible padding. Much like the CIA, Dying of the Light feels dangerously under-equipped to combat the murky situation out there. Attempting to wade into a gun fight without any ammunition. The big players in cinema at the moment won't even bother to look back at the rubble it creates with a movie like this, and rightfully so. If you’re not going to set the world on fire, move out of the way. It doesn’t have balls like Bourne or Bond, and it doesn’t have testosterone like Taken, but what it does have is a Cagey feeling we have been here before, but we’re okay with that. Watch the Trailer below... #DyingoftheLight #Review #UKFilmReview #NicolasCage #ActionFilm

Review by Chris Olson “A Man’s World” A ménage-a-violence in this sleek British short film about the bubbling rage that consumes some men, and the psychotic lengths they may go to in order to protect their ego. Set mostly within a nondescript snooker club, Mark, whilst waiting for his pal to turn up, spots an “acquaintance” called Danny at the bar. Having some tenuous connection, Mark strikes up a troubled conversation with this known woman-hitter, which ends up being a one-sided slanging match in which Mark denounces Danny’s violence and drunken tendencies. Queue some American funk music and a montage of brutal lashings, and the film becomes a tense and thrilling chase movie, where Mark lays beaten on the floor and his buddy must be on the run from Danny after stumbling into the toilet at the wrong time. A London-based thriller about violence is going to have to set off some flares in order to get some attention, and A Chance to Not Remember does manage to cause a few turns-of-the-head. With an oddly addictive blend of British crime and American style (in particular the music choices), Croston’s short film gives the audience an appealing twist on a classic cocktail, like drinking a pint of Stella with a Bourbon chaser. Yes the script is a little derivative, but the performances are strong enough to douse those concerns early, offering three believable characters within a short space of time that grip you. There is a strangeness to Mark’s behaviour towards the violent Danny, blatantly stirring him up, that only becomes clear near the end, with a welcome plot twist. The familiarity of Danny’s character, quietly building into a tormented rage, starts a little too familiar at first, but actually becomes a spectacular development by the end. Alongside this, Mark’s friend who turns up to find a bloody bathroom scene, offers the perfect entryway for viewers into this dark story. It is refreshing to see a London crime-thriller that offers more than grit and grime. Not only does this short film serve up a platter of violence and seedy characters, it does so in a way that makes them seductive rather than off-putting. Brutally engaging and stylishly crafted, this is an arresting watch for fans of thrillers. #AChancetoNotRemember #UKFilmReview #shortfilmreview #filmblog #movieblog #filmmaking #filmreviews #uk #chrisolson

Review by Amaliah Sara Marmon-Halm Set in an almost fantastical version of London, Jade, a well-off girl from a classic London upbringing tries to escape the world she knew in order to explore her darkest dreams, fantasies and instincts, all in search for a new level of ultra-violent behaviour. Set over eight segments of poetry created to question the imposed roles set by society, Jade (Alice Wahtel) and her band of loyal eccentrics transport the viewer to a highly dangerous and mystical reality, full of magic potions (drugs and narcotics), sadistic sexual and psychological behaviour and very dark undertones, all wrapped up in a fifteen minute package. With each segment, Jade slowly slips deeper into the dark and sordid corners of society, where the lines of enjoyment, morality and death blur increasingly. She not only challenges her boundaries but the boundaries set by those around her. With a background in visual arts and fashion, Christian Neuman wanted to make this film, and others he has made like it, as visually complex as possible. As a result, he has created something that challenges the classic narrative structures. What Neuman has created with film is a piece that makes you sit on the edge of your seat in shock, whilst at the same time it draws you in with how aesthetically pleasing it is to watch. At times seems more like an elaborate fashion shoot than a film, overall this is poetic and gripping venture into the dark corners of the mind and society will leave you wanting to explore this world for yourself. Watch the Teaser Trailer below... #Theendofeverythingasyouknewit #aguide #review #UKFilmreview #shortfilmreview #filmreviews #UK #supportindiefilm #filmmaking #trailer

"Buffer Face" Review by Chris Olson Existing in the digital age, the population is offered an explosion of choice everywhere they turn. Consuming popular culture is not only instantaneously gratifying these days, it is also heartbreakingly shallow. With the advent of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, cultural products such as movies and TV box sets are simply fuel for our ever-increasing stimulus-stomach. Deep Learning, a short film written and directed by (and also starring) Matthew Ferrara, takes a wickedly funny poke at society’s shameful attitude towards visual mediums, whilst throwing in a tried and tested tale of AI-gone-Oh-No. With an alarm on his iPhone to tell him when to stop working, and a solitary meal of pasta for one, Matthew (Ferrara) sets himself up for the evening under his duvet about to watch something on from his Webflix subscription - shamelessly dressed up in Netflix’s colours. When a robot voice greets Matthew, and reveals an updated version of the system he uses, our protagonist barely notices, blissfully unquestioning of the “auto-update” lifestyle of the modern age. As the artificial intelligence berates Matthew in search of the perfect viewing suggestion, a strong theme of cultural ignorance/hypocrisy reveals itself, as Matt, when offered a string of high-brow options, would simply prefer to re-watch Thor 2 so he can fall asleep to it! There is a slickness to Ferrara’s direction, and a potency to his delivery, that makes Deep Learning a formidable short film. The opening sequences that show Matthew’s comfortable and relatable lifestyle are done with some impressing framing, in particular a birds-eye-view shot of a popcorn maker, that reveal the artistry behind the camera. The script is painfully funny, a beautiful contrast existing between Matt’s goofball antics and the AI’s dwindling patience. Given the relevance of the story and the small moments of acute observation, Deep Learning gives a master class to other filmmakers looking to deliver short film gold. The lead performance is far from mesmerizing. Matt’s character is an every-man in his pyjamas, but there was little meat and bone to his portrayal. It may be that a comedy line was being more strongly pursued, but there was definitely room to squeeze in some drama there too. The AI (voiced by Tony Pacitti) was very well done though - reminiscent of a new age Hal. Formidable filmmaking with incisive cultural commentary, Deep Learning is a short film that dishes out the lessons on how to poke fun at ourselves, whilst being ultra stylish in the process…Now I’m off to watch all the episodes of The Sopranos whilst I eat brownies in my pants and simultaneously troll Hilary Clinton. Watch the movie below: #DeepLearning #UKFilmReview #shortfilmreview #ukfilm #filmblog #movieblog #filmcritic #supportindiefilm

Review by Chris Olson Clad in simple, gray tees and little black pants, a group of women huddle together as prisoners. The brick-walled room is in a warehouse, where these ladies are segregated from a society whose attitudes they oppose. Newcomer Ree (Catherine Butler) is the archetypal “new fish”, bewildered by the treatment of these political prisoners and out-of-sync with the pecking order she has been thrust into. Full of intrigue and tense drama, Joski-Jethi’s story is heavily weighted with themes of sexism and repression. These characters, led by Hattie (Lorna Newman), form both a collective support group for each other, as well as a fractured sisterhood of conflicting ideology. The differing opinions on how to deal with their situation, when faced with “The Test”, as well as the pregnancy of one of their group, reveal bitter fault lines in the purpose of their resistance. The issue of childbearing adds a compelling development to the film’s discourse - allowing the powerful duty felt by mothers, who would become a martyr in their maternal instincts, to become the overriding force in the group’s political direction. Not only have these women been subjected to sexual brutality and second-class citizenship, they must relinquish their morality due to their unique ability to carry a child. As one of the prisoners says, “Our curse as women is for our pride to be forgotten”. There is a boldness in Under My Thumb which must be celebrated. It delves straight into a huge and divisive topic, without stopping to consider any unnecessary exposition or narrative devices. It is stark and bleak throughout, capturing the essence of being a prisoner through its mise-en-scéne as well as its dialogue. There is only a sparse amount of sound effects used and even the framing is overly intimate, with severe close-ups and low-angle shots, that reflect the loss of freedom these characters have experienced. The ensemble deliver a solid, collective performance, in particular during the final sequence which is a fantastic finish. Special mention must go to Butler, who navigates a complex, and emotionally tumultuous, portrayal with splendid poise. Some of the scenes have a degree of awkwardness to them, with characters seeming to be waiting for their turn to talk, or talking over each other and squirming, but for the most part the performers do well to carry the heavy load laid upon them. Under My Thumb is political thriller and prison drama in equal measure, with Joski-Jethi delivering a scathing sermon on the realities of a “civilised” society. The result is a brutally engaging, thoughtful drama that will stay with you long after viewing. #UnderMyThumb #UKFilmReview #ShortFilm #filmreview #filmblog #chrisolson #supportindiefilm

Heaven, Hell & Heroin Review by Chris Olson An addict called Doyle (Joseph A. Halsey) experiences an existential crisis when he overdoses and is greeted by a being called Alexander (Sal Rendino) who offers him a chance at redeeming himself. Doyle, a disgraced ex-soldier-cum-heroin-addict, must locate a knife held by drug kingpin Tommy (Chris Cardona), in order to appease Alexander and enter safely into the afterlife. However, Alexander’s offer may not be as straight-forward as it seems, and the surrealist nature of Doyle’s imaginings call into question the “reality” of what he is seeing… Heavy-hitting performances and a solid atmosphere prove Sage knows how to handle a gritty drama like this. There is a ferocious intensity during the short film that remains consistent to the end, reeling the viewer in like a spoonful of drugs. Doyle’s situation is equal measure action and intrigue, delving into the underbelly which he calls home whilst occupying his own inner turmoil. This makes for a compelling watch. Cardona offers a wonderful, yet short lived, performance, and Halsey squaring off against Rendino during their biting dialogue is spectacular. Nicole Vogt-Lowell also delivers a memorable turn as co-addict Faz. There is a certain lack of lightness to this overly dark tale of drugs and damnation, an insert of humour would have been well received and could have distinguished the characters more effectively. Personality is not developed fully enough. That being said, the strength of the performers keeps the movie on firm footing during the 18 minute run time, and the action sequences are done with enough grit to impress. Fans of intense dramas and action movies will enjoy the fruits of Sage’s efforts, and Halsey’s gripping opening scene is a joy to watch for anyone. Viewers who often contemplate heaven, hell, and heroin will be on a high. #filmblog #moviereviews #moviereview #shortfilm #shortmovies #chrisolson #JunkieHeaven #UKFilmReview

"Mad Men" Review by Chris Olson A disaffected yuppie looks for an exotic escape from the so-called “luck” of his life after being given the business card for a place called the “Punish Me Palace”. Stepping into the bizarre and disturbing establishment, our hero is shocked by the violent methods used to give patrons pleasure, however, a heart-to-heart with a whip-bearing dominatrix could prove the life-changing experience he was hoping for. There is a light-hearted yet macabre tone to Esper’s short film that delightfully complements the inner turmoil, and personal journey, of the main character Scottie (David Sackal). Whilst the dark intrigue of the Punish Me Palace is the setting for a literally rude awakening, moments of scripted comedy are used to adorn the walls, allowing an entry point for the viewer, who may otherwise be put off by the strong element of adult naughtiness. It is fantastic to see a pulsating theme running through this movie, at one point Scottie says “I feel like I’m succeeding down a path I don’t even want.”, which perfectly highlights the crisis point that is the foundation of this story. It's an idea that many audiences will relate to; growing up and being a “success” in society’s eyes may very well be the antithesis of your own measure of success. Scottie wanted to be a cartoonist, but now attends smoke-filled business meetings full of guffawing fat cats, silently aching to break free of the corporate chains that keep him in bondage. Seeking a different kind of bondage, the Punish Me Palace offers visitors a chance to absolve themselves of ill-feeling through sadistic methods. Scottie makes up some lies about himself in order to “deserve” a whipping, but ends up having a deep-and-meaningful with the whipper Michelle (Joanna Donofrio), where they find the answers to each other’s dilemmas through words not whips. Aside from a slightly too gothic musical score, Please Punish Me is an impressive short film. The performances are believable, offering up a decent array of balanced characters. Sackal does well to toe the line between comedy fool and dramatic lead, whilst Donofrio steals the ending with a strong and evocative portrayal of this troubled woman. The screenplay, written by Rich Camp, has a fluid professionalism that moves the plot along superbly. Chris Esper shows fluent directional prowess during the 15 minute run time, with each scene contributing brilliantly to this vivid tale of introspection. #filmblog #moviereviews #moviereview #PleasePunishMe #Review #ChrisOlson #film #critic #UK #Film #shortmovie #movies

"No use wine-ing about it" Review by Chris Olson A short film about the fluid nature of human relationships, C’est La Via is Christopher Rapalo’s swirling urban drama about a man and woman who meet in a wine bar, and their ensuing connection which becomes as fragile as an empty bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Quentin Miras plays the male character, who we are introduced to sitting alone at a wine bar, enjoying a glass of red, when he is joined by the very pretty Marise Jimenez. The two feel a spark and the movie jumps six months to them enjoying a relationship and the comfort stage that comes with it. A few montages and cityscape transition sequences later and the whole thing has become corked, their once full-bodied vintage now a smashed bottle of Lambrini. *Getting light-headed from all these alcohol puns* Far from the most uplifting tale of a blossoming romance, C’est La Vie is a short film that offers viewers style and skill over plot and script. Rapalo brings out plenty of weapons in his arsenal of artistic filmmaking, delivering impressive technical effects and a visual platter of goodies. Language plays an important part in C’est La Vie, with Miras being English-speaking whilst Jimenez is Spanish, throw in a little French at some point and the whole movie takes on a very Cosmopolitan feel (okay, that reference was unintentional). In a film about the transient nature of our disposition, the performances fail to ground the viewer in the moment. Whilst the interaction between Miras and Jimenez shows some chemistry, and there are moments of thoughtful tension, the two become afterthoughts for a film making a larger point. Like a perfume commercial but without the celebrity endorsement. Wrapping up the movie with a T.S Eliot quote, it is clear that this is Rapalo’s vehicle, who shows himself to be a director with poise and style. Throughout the movie, clear and decisive intentions can be seen, offering bold commentary without delving into overblown, and unnecessary, dialogue. This is primarily a visual piece where every element has been carefully chosen to assemble into a striking picture for the viewer, one that intends to enrapture and move. Something which Rapalo does successfully. #c39estlavie #review #ukfilmreview #filmreviewsuk #filmblog #movieblog #shotfilm #filmcritic

“What We Do In The Shadows” Review by Chris Olson Monogamy - one of the scariest premises, but rarely used for the horror genre. Forget your cursed voodoo dolls and spirits from another world, you only need to look at a bitter married couple in order to find inspiration for a scary story. I may be being hyperbolic (especially as a married man myself so SHHH!), but this idea seems t Filmed entirely within the confines of an isolated house, bereft of lighting, where two characters are immersed in shadows - both literally and figuratively. Nick (Michael A. LoCicero) and his partner Jill (Susan T. Travers), are prisoners within this home, because outside lurks a tormenting presence that is never given a name or motive - allowing the audience to decide why it haunts our protagonists. Already dripping with tension at this volatile standoff, Nick and Jill increase the distress by going through an on-screen domestic, bickering about the best course of action. What becomes clear is that there is a tangible divide between these two people, whether metaphysical or otherwise. With a sincere dedication to the genre and a phenomenal artistry in his filming, Horn delivers a short film that will have you begging for more. Complemented by powerhouse performances from LoCicero and Travers, this is the type of movie that rarely comes along, short or otherwise. There is a focus to the whole thing, where every part of the mise-en-scéne has been delicately chosen, proof that Horn’s directorial strength extends beyond great storytelling. For some the darkness of the production could be unappealing, but this atmosphere beautifully represents the terrifying banality of our own insecurities, and is captivating in its bleakness. Within five minutes this couple is torn apart before our eyes (not literally, in case you suffer from nausea), they are ripped from the seams by a difficult situation, and all we are left with is the gut-wrenching notion that the foundation of human relationships is built on unsure footing. Aside from a slightly irksome soundtrack, They’re Closing In is about as close to a perfect short film as you can get. #shortfilmreview #ukfilmreview #chrisolson #They39reClosingIn #Review #moviereview #moviereviews #UKFilm #supportindiefilm #indiefilmreviews

Review by Chris Olson Most people’s experiences of bus stops are far from glamorous. I think I speak without hyperbole when I say that almost every, single bus stop in the UK has an immovable fragrance of urine and at least one man who wears a pigeon as a hat. However, this short film from Jamie Sims captures the beautiful possibilities that present themselves to us every day in our lives, if only we let ourselves engage with them. Sitting at a bus stop one day is Henry (Sam Underwood), a young man carrying a box of his belongings from the job he has just been fired from. Alexa (Valorie Curry) joins him on the bus stop bench, on the phone to her boyfriend whom she is in the middle of a domestic spat with. After an awkward introduction of Henry pretending to listen to music on his phone as to not impeach on Alexa’s private call, the two start chatting and realise that they are both in what most would call a bad point in their lives. However, deciding to look at the world on its head, Henry and Alexa choose the path more sunnier and go on a sightseeing tour of…Woking. They enjoy a freedom which comes only from meeting a stranger, a freedom without any personal baggage. However, like most bus routes, the end of the line is never a pretty sight. With a dedication to character and script, Sims delivers an embracing and enchanting tale of two sitters. The chemistry between Curry and Underwood will hook you in, and their poignant tale of fate and chance will keep you seated at all times. The two characters seem captivated by the other, revelling in the unknown and mystery of the situation, which makes for a very enjoyable short film. Curry in particular delivers a remarkable performance, splendid throughout. There is a depth of emotion to the framing which invokes a very intimate feeling, capturing these two offset strangers with perfect balance. A lovely sprinkling of music from Ursine Vulpine intertwines the scenes, giving the tone a nostalgic element which reinforces the timelessness of the plot. The conclusion may leave some feeling overcharged for this journey, but I for one would like to see a return trip (by which I mean a sequel, sorry, these bus metaphors are getting out of hand). It is a vibrant and life-affirming film that captures the essence of spontaneity, without feeling too clichéd. #filmblog #moviereviews #moviereview #BusStop #ChrisOlson

Review by Chris Olson "Will-power" Set in a seemingly normal household, an aging man called Jim (Bingo O’Malley) is facing the morbid task of getting on with dying. His daughter encourages him to write a will, whilst doctors want him to take lucidity tests, and as if this wasn’t disturbing enough, Jim’s stability is threatened by vivid hallucinations during the night that haunt him with his life’s regrets. There is a supernatural vibe to this intriguing drama that fits perfectly into the shadowy atmosphere created by writer and director Barak Shpiez. Evocative and suspenseful, Inheritance is a movie that demands the viewer’s attention. Adrienne Wehr, who plays Jim’s daughter Laura, is a wonderful accompaniment to O’Malley’s powerhouse performance, both delivering captivating scenes that have ferocious dialogue, and an underlying sense of friction that perfumes the movie like an old-people smell - but in a very good way. Some of the framing has a soap-opera feel, making the short film feel slightly at odds with its premise and atmosphere, however, when the shots are of a thriller/horror style, that is when Inheritance comes into a windfall of its own. Light and shadow are used particularly well, allowing the nature of Jim’s deterioration to be picked up visually, whilst giving pathos to the story as a whole. Fans of supernatural thrillers and intense dramas are in safe hands with Shpiez, who gets the most of out his cast and crew - in particular O’Malley who is a phenomenal watch. #UKFilmReview #ChrisOlson #ShortFilmReview #ukfilmreview #review #Inheritance #filmblog