With 3 cameras, 2 chairs, 1 thin table, and a stack of question cards, two people sit for a frank discussion. This short film is apparently part of a series, although thus far I have only seen this one. The idea is pretty simple and, as such, it really depends on getting good characters; it is not an idea that would work with someone who is awkward or is unable (or unwilling) to articulate themselves or at least make the effort to push for answers from themselves. With Marcela and Rock, they have been married for 7 years but it seems together in some way for much longer than that. They are importantly very open with each other and themselves – but, just as importantly, not in the way where you feel they are playing for the camera or looking for attention.
What happens is a very well edited short film, where the discussions gradually fold out the relationship, not just in terms of background information, but also in terms of its depth and complexity. It helps that both of them come across as interesting people – not necessarily "nice" people, or people you would hang to grab a beer with, but interesting – their discussions do not centre around "the time you forgot to pick me up after work" but much deeper stuff, and it shows they work though (and carry) a lot.
There are no fireworks, or waterworks; nor is there anything that spills over into extreme emotion or reaction; instead it is steady and balanced – very much like a well controlled couples' therapy session. The two people and their relationship are interesting, and the film is well edited to provide a structure where the viewer is drawn into the discussions, learning more and caring more as the film moves forward. In the end it amounts to little more than a view into this relationship, so it is good that the relationship is rewarding to look into.
