Martijn Smits and Erwin van den Eshof have pulled off something quite rare for filmmakers. They managed to take a film with VERY dark themes and yet make it socially relevant and funny. It could very easily have been just a violent film or a kooky comedy, but they managed to create something wholly unique and entertaining.
"Off Road" is a short film that mostly consists of an angry man driving. However, his car (especially his GPS) seems possessed. At first the GPS seems to be a normal system, but then it engages with him--like it has a mind of its own. It argues with him NOT to do what he's about to do...and you slowly come to realize that he's got his girlfriend locked in the trunk and he plans on killing her! As I said, it's VERY dark. Yet, the film manages to work very well at the end. It is NOT a super-violent film and it even manages to be funny. I especially like how it did NOT have the clichéd happy ending--his girlfriend's reaction is realistic and a great strike against the notion of a passive or foolish woman. I could say a lot more about this film but just don't want to spoil it. It's exceptionally professionally made--and more experienced actors and directors couldn't have done better--which is amazing for these young filmmakers. See this one. Just be aware that this is NOT a film for kids due to its theme and understandably harsh language. Well done!!
