User reviews

Fascinating, funny look at what makes up a modern relationship. Wonderfully directed by Phillip Van, and nicely written by Simon Biggs, 'High Maintenance' proves more successful at entertaining the viewer in an intelligent fashion than most feature films. We see Jane (Nicolette Krebitz) and Paul (Wanja Mues) celebrating an anniversary of the two being together. Paul however is distant, thinking more about his job than about Jane. Jane is dissatisfied with Paul, who won't even have a glass of wine as he has to work early the next morning. Jane has had enough, and feels that the time is ready to find a new man, one who loves her more than his career. Van and Biggs play with the idea of the 'perfect' relationship beautifully, showing how a lot of people concentrate on the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect man/woman, but never on the small, personal details and human emotions that truly bring two people together. We feel we can change partners like we change shoes, or cars, or TVs. Both Krebitz and Mues are excellent, playing their roles with a terrific satirical edge. The cinematography (by Felix Novo de Oliveira) is also a stand-out. Can Mr Van please now make a feature film, hopefully teaming up again with Mr Biggs.

Most impressive is the high end look and feel -- you would think the budget was 100 times larger than it was, and that the time spent making it was 6 months rather than about a week. Very professional in every way, this "short film" presages a "long career" for the director. Also, the acting is top notch -- often short films suffer from poor performances by whomever was willing to do the job for little pay. In this film, the lead roles are performed by accomplished professionals who give this project an air of commercial and artistic integrity that is based in reality, not artifice. I applaud this film, and encourage you to watch it and share it with your friends.

Since this short film is heavy on plot twists, it's almost impossible to give a synopsis without spoilers. I'll say it's an excellent commentary on the modern throwaway nature of romantic relationships, with a bit of a sci-fi angle. Although the basic elements of the plot have been done before, the direction it took was pleasantly unexpected.

The acting, writing, directing, and set layout were all superb, and I hope the cast and crew will continue to work together. The pacing and timing of this film were of critical importance, and were handled perfectly, with not a single wasted second. Hilarious ending, too, at least if you're a guy.

At its end, you perceived it as a warning. For its realism, result of impecable performances , nuanced story and status of parable about marriage. Bold and seductive, fascinating in essence, remembering commercials and family crisis, the technology as the best answer to each ordinary problem and the result of fantaisies. A seductive, well crafted film.