The Birth of Valerie Venus

Hidden amongst the classic cartoons, on Disney Plus' 'Shorts' film section was this distinctly not child friendly comedy short film, which has some good moments, though perhaps is missing a bit more catharsis in the . . . . "happy ending".

Valerie (Jane Guernier) is the long-suffering wife of boorish Vicar Norman (Paul Hunter). One day, whilst cleaning a statue of the Virgin Mary, she cuts her hand. From then on, the hand begins to take on a life of its own. Initially just curious, the hand soon decides that what Valerie needs is less Norman and tries to kill him in his sleep. Valerie threatens the hand with an extreme solution if this continues, then the hand finds another way to improve Valerie's life.

There are some "Evil Dead 2" vibes with the possessed hand scenes that I enjoyed and the performances in this are very good. Jane Guernier in particular is very game for what is to come in the short. I just wish there was a beat or two more beyond the euphemistic resolution that we get, to show that Valerie's life has genuinely improved.

I've not seen either of Sarah Clift's other shorts, but, based on this I'd look forward to a feature from her.

A really funny, amazing, original short film. Quite enjoyable, so wonderfully acted. In its own comedic way, the film puts forth clearly it's underlying message pertaining to woman servitude (in patriarchal society) and weird yet entertaining take on women-empowerment. Loveddd it!!!

I saw a trailer and then rented the entire selection of Lift-Off Film Festivals on Vimeo just to watch this short. It was worth it! Fresh, entertaining and beautifully made. The actors are amazing, too. I've never heard of Sarah Clift before, so googled her other work and discovered that she's a heavily awarded young director. Of course she is, she's brilliant. Can't wait for her first feature.