The Corner of Chaos and Serenity

I have to admit, reviewing this was on my to-do list since I caught it at the Toronto Independent Film Festival's virtual festival screening back in September. I wish I had gotten around to it sooner because this is an enjoyable little piece of art!

A tight piece, beginning, middle, end...this is what most short films strive to do, but few succeed. I was pulled through ups and downs; an emotional rollercoaster ride that culminated to a "grand finale" and I'll just leave it at that. Catch it if you get a chance. It might be still doing the circuit.

It's always a breath of fresh air when I notice a Canadian has written a good screenplay, (and by that I mean Canadians that haven't defected down south where there's lots of money to pay for talented screenwriters.) It's a challenge to find talented writers in this country, and ones that can successfully convey a compelling story by means of a short script is even more challenging. Budget limitations aside, I think THE CORNER OF CHAOS AND SERENITY was very well executed. Most of that is because the story is strong. Great little movie.

Without getting into it in depth, I thought this short was charming. At first I was confused about the characters' relationship to one another but at the end of the second act, it all came together and made sense. Rucas made a valiant effort to address a topic that most tend to overlook because it's so commonplace in our society. A very enjoyable little short!

I gotta say I didn't know what to expect coming into this. Caught this today on the opening day of the Toronto Independent Film Festival and was extremely engaged by the character development and story. You don't really know what the relationship is between the characters and every scene gives you a little more information, which is perfect. The film is minimalist and that works in its favor. I like the idea of the distanced communication, it lends to the lonely tone of the film. And that last scene.......WHOA! A great indie gem from Canada.

As a non-union actor working in Toronto, I can surely say that there is a lot of talent going unnoticed in the non-union world. I was delighted to see Michael Masurkevitch and Liana Bdewi in this unique, feisty little short film written and directed by Derek Rucas. A huge achievement for all involved in its production. The biggest thing that stuck out was the relationship between the two characters and how it evolved organically through such a relatively short period of time. Kudos on some amazing work. Great story and performances. I can't wait to see more from them.