I take the title of this film to be very much about the stresses and 'work' of modern life. The lead character of this short is a young woman who we first meet getting called out in a dance group for failing to keep to the routine. From there she has other challenges in her day. In terms of plot there is not a huge amount here, but it is a film about the character more than what happens to her - although there are events here.
Jasmine Breinburg plays Jess in a way where we can see the deadening effects of whatever she has to face each day. We are not sure if it is one trauma or just lots grinding her down, but you can see the lack of spark on her throughout the film. There is a sexual assault early in the film where Jess retreats in a frightening and convincing way; as a male viewer with zero experience of this situation, the film gave me her fear, shame, and withdrawal all in one quick scene. However the scenes where less happens are just as important, because the feeling of being under pressure and fearing what might happen is tangible. Even within the home the pressure and lack of relief is strong.
The direction, tone, and pace of the film all link to this, amplifying it and making the most of the performance and character. I wasn't a massive fan of the dance ending as an ending, but even if it seems trite, it also rings true that Jess would find something like relief in a structured, routine, and scripted group activity. Strong filmmaking.
