Actor Bradley Hawkins gives a standout performance in Lobster Cage - a thoroughly engaging short film that tackles the large subjects of redemption and our place in this crazy world. The story centers on the relationship between a death row inmate and the officer assigned to carry out his execution. A cartoonish warden and stereotypically jaded policeman round out cast - and stand in stark contrast to the main characters. Writer Sean Geisterfer's script works best when our focus is away from their antics and we are introduced to a reflective prisoner (the previously mentioned Hawkins) and an everyman officer (played by Sean McConaghy). These characters are much more deeply layered, and provide excellent material for the actors playing them. Sean McConaghy's turn as the rookie guard has a perfectly empathetic tone as we see him struggle with his role in ending a person's life. Director/Editor Justin Feinman wisely lets us see Frank, the prisoner, through the guard's eyes. Also, Cinematographer Arthur Oganesyan introduces us to Frank quietly in his cage and then slowly removes the environment and bars holding him back as we see him speaking up, where there are no barriers. Bradley Hawkins plays Frank with complete honesty - inviting us to not question his guilt, but society's solution. As he reflects on his lack of dignity and questions the outside system that put him in prison, Mr. Hawkins peels back his character's layers subtly and superbly – delivering the short's best dialogue in one, largely uncut shot. Lobster Cage succeeds in being an ambitious film that challenges its audience and showcases an engrossing performance from Bradley Hawkins.
