With all the star power and production value available to a director of David O. Russell's renown, 'Past forward' is maybe a little too slick and self-absorbed for its own good. But it draws us in nonetheless with its unconventional narrative.

The short borrows a bit from otherworldly dystopian thrillers like 'Brazil,' while also putting forth a noir feel equally retro and futuristic. And, why not, have some romance, too. That description may seem a little scattershot, yet it's also appropriate for a film that jumps between three sets of characters involved in the precise same scenario. So add a bit of dreamscape sci-fi to your vibe check, too.

The surrealist vision keeps us engaged as bizarre moments play out for each of our characters. Despite the uncertainty in the narrative, that aspect only lends itself to a bit of thrilling tension that propels the film forward. We can't peel our eyes away from our heroines - which certainly is to the credit of stars Allison Williams, Freida Pinto, and Kuoth Wiel, but also to the costumers and make-up artists who worked on this. Williams, Pinto, and Wiel all look absolutely stunning, and would keep our eyes glued to the screen even if we weren't otherwise invested in the feature.

Russell has a record of shameful behavior that makes me a bit uneasy about watching his films - but I stumbled onto 'Past forward' before I even knew this was his work. While glossy to a fault, this short is nonetheless enjoyable with its narrative style, and the chance to see a slightly different side to some very recognizable actors.

Don't go out of your way to find it, but 'Past forward' is worth watching if you come across it.

A surreal, futuristic silent dreamscape with multiple actors replaying scenes in shifting combinations.

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