Traveller

The tension and emotion build slowly and exquisitely in this short film leaving the viewer totally gripped and immersed by the time we reach the final scene - which itself leaves as many questions as answers. The film is presented in abstract time dimensions, with flashbacks and present day scenes intermingling - helping to build the tension, as clarity is only reached towards the end of the film. It's suggested that there has been a global incident leaving a breakdown of civilisation and a dangerous terrain, where a travelling woman comes across an abandoned horse, and the two connect to form a beautiful and meaningful friendship and partnership - a symbiotic relationship of two lone creatures each benefitting from the presence of the other in their current situation.

The compelling music, cinematography, beautiful location of the English countryside, and the impassioned performances by both the humans and the horse really give this film a unique slant. The inclusion of a horse as a pivotal character in a film is a brave move, which proved in this case a convincing success - the beauty, individuality and natural connection of the horse comes through so strongly and its most perfect portrayal almost makes you think it had read the script! The film is thought provoking and suggestive - open to perception in some ways - but with an underlying message which is impossible to ignore.

Traveller presents us with a raw and emotive portrayal of hope and compassion. The story presents us with both the darkest and purest sides of the human spirit, provoking thought and reflection on what we ourselves might be capable of if pushed to the edge of existence.

Suspense is traced throughout the story, but serpentined within are droplets of pure joy and beauty, as we witness the trusting relationship between woman and horse evolve and strengthen in this post apocalyptic environment.

The story reminds us that even in the darkest of moments there is hope, and always something worth fighting to protect.

I loved this short film. Two travellers, one a horse and one a woman, meet and connect to find hope in a world that is destroyed and dangerous. Beautifully filmed and, in the horse, we see all that could be noble and beautiful in our world, if only we can reach it. The narrative is elusive but compelling; where are we? What has happened to leave the traveller, the horse and so few survivors. Does it matter that we don't know? For me, this just adds to the magic of the moment. The lighting is really special and the music complements the mood. I found this film bold and original and in a strange way reassuring.

What a treasure this film is!

Its cinematography, location, direction and acting are all top notch. The subtiles between actor and horse are a joy to watch. Initiating a story about the end of the world is a solitary existence and the directors brilliant use of a horse is symbolic of that loneliness. Yet the nurturing connective relationship between two solitary beings creating a harmony and intensiveness to enhance their existence in a desperate state, is nothing short of genius.

She has cleverly led us to use our own imagination to create our own ending. Will she survive her desperate plight or with the use of her clever lasting shot of the horse will she begin to nurture and continue that special relationship with horse and human?

This is a film which has all the material and expertise for an expansive and longer movie.

This was a gripping tale that left me wanting to know what had happened before the start point in this drama - and also what happens after the ending...

Watch out for the horse in particular. Tuco's reactions are superb and add to the quality of the human support cast! The acting, directing and writing were top quality as were the special effects/make-up.

One small point, the narration was at times difficult to hear. I would have preferred that to have been clearer. But it did not detract from the overall experience.

I hope it gets developed into a fuller thriller (as it so richly deserves to be).