Flashback

I absolutely loved this short film! The acting was impeccable whilst the storyline was chilling prompting the watcher to think, what would you do to save your love? The child actors Zakiy Jogi and Maya Graham both did their roles really well filled with emotion and conviction, a testament to the future stars that are in this film. The cinematography was fabulous with each scene building up tension with the character of death acting as a cold motif reminding us watchers of the tragic events that were set to happen... or were they? I would definitely watch again and a big well done to the cast for immersing me in this fantastic short film. I hope to see some the actors again in bigger Netflix roles!

"Flashback" leaves much to be desired. The dialogues come off as predictable, lacking the depth and originality one would expect from a film of its caliber. The presentation is underwhelming, not providing the visual storytelling that pulls the audience into the narrative. As for the acting, it lacks nuance and emotional range, rendering the characters forgettable. In a world rich with cinematic artistry, "Flashback" unfortunately fails to distinguish itself. A missed opportunity in storytelling.

Each scene unfolds predictably, making it hard to connect or engage. Cinematography and soundtrack also fall flat, failing to elevate the ordinary acting and obvious script to a cinematic experience.

I didn't realise this was a short when I watched it. I'm not entirely convinced it was supposed to be either. It seems like it's building to something, then just fizzles out. Either this was an abandoned project or funding fell through for more episodes because in this state, and considering the talent behind it, it's just ridiculous. The whole premise has been done before as a feature, most recently Happy Death Day, but in the last year there's been a few films with this time travel scenario, It's a Wonderful Knife being another. But at 16 minutes it just doesn't make sense and leaves you with more questions than answers.

I think only people that never watched Butterfly Effect can think that this short has an original unusual plot. It's like a short unserious and confusing version of that masterpiece of a movie. I do not recommend spending 15 min on this, better watch 2 hour 2004 movie Butterfly effect, that explores the same topic- changing the future by changing some detail in the past, and sadly having to sacrifice one's relationship for the sake of wellbeing of that love partner.

The difference in this short is, that the past is being changed not by reading a diary but by focusing on some certain memory in the moment of death. Yes one could make a "new" movie out of this, but the topic is too big and complicated for a short.

Somehow the main character here realized how to go back to the past by visiting her memories at the time of death (when your life flashes before your eyes, supposedly) and then just slow her breathing (?) and living in the memory, so then she can change the future (actually, the present - it's only the future in the POV of the memory).

Why does she need to change it all the way back from the very beginning and in such a drastic way and not right at the point where the tragic thing happens, is also beyond explanation.

All of that nonsense wrapped up in a wannabe cute and quirky love story. Empty and silly.