Pickleback

I watched Pickleback at the LA Shorts international film festival. I was taken aback by the impact this film had on me, and visibly had on peers surrounding me. The best way to put this film into words is that it is empathy made tangible.

This film captures the fragile, complicated space between comfort and discomfort, trust and uncertainty. It's about connection and how it can be messy and sometimes painfully unclear.

Jazmin's performance is incredibly raw in its honesty. Surrounded by an equally talented cast, you're forced to face questions about your own life that you may have never given thought to before.

Brandon Larracuentes direction supports this beautifully, keeping you close enough to feel the characters warmth which eventually builds to a type of tension that was felt throughout the entire theater.

Pickleback gives us all a lot to think about as a society. It's a film that sticks with you provoking curiosity about how we go about our day to day lives, while maybe not understanding the impact we've had on someone else's.

This was very brave storytelling that I felt honored to witness and will definitely carry with me for a long time.

This short film has a very powerful message , at some point in life i feel like every young lady should watch it to see how some things can really be in life. It would definitely strengthen the the brain and most definitely make anyone more aware and cautious about certain things . Great directing! Acting ! And all of the above. Loved every second of it !

Pickleback is not just a short film-it is a brave act of storytelling. With unflinching honesty and emotional depth, Jazmin and Brandon Larracuente deliver a piece that is as haunting as it is necessary, shedding light on the harrowing experience of assault with raw power and quiet grace.

From the very reunion, the film draws you into a world that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. The cinematography is intimate, almost confessional, allowing the viewer to sit with the pain, confusion, and isolation that so often follows trauma.

The film captures the weight of the experience. It's a masterclass in showing rather than telling.

The performance at the heart of the film is stunning-raw, vulnerable, and deeply human. You feel every beat of the character's inner world, a testament to both the actor's skill and the director's vision. The score is breathtaking.

This short film is more than a story-it's a voice. One that speaks for so many who have been silenced, and one that reminds us of the resilience it takes to reclaim agency after trauma. It's a film that stays with you, that demands reflection, and that ultimately offers a sliver of hope.

Jazmin and Brandon Larracuente have created something truly powerful. This film is not easy to watch-but that's exactly why it's so important. A must-see for anyone who believes in the power of art to confront, to heal, and to provoke change.

Pickleback is a powerful and thought-provoking short film that tackles the delicate and deeply important topic of trust and sexual consent. The acting was absolutely on point, drawing me into every moment and making the story feel incredibly real. The message is painfully relatable, especially with alcohol in the mix, and it serves as a vital reminder of how quickly situations can become blurred.

This film was more than entertainment-it was an eye-opener. It sparked my own desire to have constructive conversations with my boys about the importance of always seeking clear consent and ensuring they do the right thing in any romantic or intimate encounter. There is a fine line between consent and assault when alcohol or drugs are involved, and the consequences of crossing that line can be life-changing for everyone.

Pickleback left me wanting more-not because the story felt unfinished, but because it was so raw, emotional, and impactful that I wanted to keep exploring its message. This is the kind of film that stays with you, challenges you, and inspires important conversations long after the credits roll.