I am not usually a big fan of short films, as they many times are just an abbreviated version of what is intended to be a much more extensive story. You end up feeling cheated in the end because you know there should be more on that screen than what you have just watched. This film, though, is a very nicely encapsulated work that conveys a ton of emotion in 15 minutes.
First, the acting is amazing. The ever-versatile Jessica Steen, an actress who receives far less attention than she deserves for her performances, manages to present a very sympathetic character in a very short period of time. We see both the main event and the aftermath portrayed beautifully and believably by her in war-torn Bosnia and back home.
Sam Duke as Drago lets the viewer witness the tragedy of war in a kid who is caught in the middle of it all. He is wonderful in the way he makes the audience care about what has happened to him, although the exact nature of how he got into his predicament is not clear, nor is it important.
Cameron Chapman's script is not all that complicated. It doesn't have to be. It is a glimpse into a poignant moment in time between two people caught in war, a snapshot of an event. It is a complete short story arc that plays on all the right emotions and eloquently touches on the topic of PTSD, even if ever so briefly.
Chris Cinnamon's direction and Dan Dumouchel's cinematography hit the mark for presentation. In fact, the entire production is visually beautiful, with an excellent use of light. The terrain helps immensely in making this production work and in creating a believable story. They certainly put it to good use, as well as all the resources at their disposal.
This film is worth seeing, despite its short nature (thus it being a "short film"). I was left with a sense of completion after watching it because it had accomplished its mission of storytelling. I cared about the characters by the end, which is saying a lot when it comes to a short. I can easily see this film being a vehicle for teaching or discussion in a broad number opportunities. Teachers, take note!
