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This years’ Reel Love Fest kicks off with a bang, from features to podcasts to shorts — this weekend is all about love in various forms. The Daily Fandom was invited to participate this year for its first time; we watched a few shorts and have compiled a list of some that have stood out to us. It is subjective, as we all react differently to everything, but these stood out, so why not highlight them? Here are a few shorts that will stick in your mind for days (as they did ours).
*We do not spoil the shorts, but boast about them*
Reel Love Fests’ Sloan Hearts Neckface (Justin Fair)
Runtime: 15 minutes; Language: English; Country: USA.
- Screenwriter: Ian Grody
- Cast: Clara Mamet, Raúl Castillo, Isiah Whitlock Jr.
- Cinematographer: Peter Fackler, Lukasz Pruchnik
- Editor: Patrick Ng
Sloan Hearts Neckface by Justin Fair and Ian Grody was a top choice for us at Reel Love Fest. In the short, not only are the shots excellent, but the entire narrative and setting are truly breathtaking. The concept is that letters are sent anonymously to an individual named Neckface by Sloan. He’s a graffiti artist. It appears innocent but immediately transforms into the perfect style of weird if you are into that.
The short contains a blend of happiness and oddness in fifteen minutes, which is what makes it even more perfect at the same time. The short has a beautiful atmosphere (I believe it was filmed in New York). The story concept is a marvelous one, and I appreciate the wide-angle shots Sloan has, especially in front of things (such as when she is sitting down in front of the graffiti writing a letter as in the featured image). I was surprised by the ending, which was quite shocking in a short film, but it was very charming, which was a huge bonus. The voiceovers are great, a trait that I don’t usually appreciate, and both Clara Mamet and Raúl Castillo did an extraordinary job with the acting and narration, in addition to the letters.
I thought that adding the letters into the mise-en-scene was so fun, no one shows real people writing letters anymore, it is always “fake-written.” So I really like that as it ties so well to the set design and brings the audience into the narrative within fifteen minutes. I never wanted to see a neckface-man as much as I did in this short, but I guess I will have to Google Raúl Castillo until I can get this short out of my head; although he does not have a neckface and his face is actually nice. A very favorable short by a very favorable cast.
Sinking Ship (Sasha Leigh Henry)
- Screenwriter: Tania Thompson
- Cast: Jenny Brizard and Herschel Andoh
- Cinematographer: Nick Haight
- Editor: Alexander Carson
The thirteen-minute short will be a hit or miss from both perspectives since it deals with intimacy in French. Although I believe the morality of their relationship is very different from what is normally seen across the globe, this was a realistic portrayal of what a conversation might be like. The effect of the background overshadowing the swimmer (person speaking) enhances the feeling that they’re being engulfed in water. The more they utter, it seems, the harder it becomes to breathe. I find the ‘painting’ in the background as they advance through the night charming.
Sometimes, the green screen can be noticed, but the overall execution of this is remarkable. The conversation is quite captivating, and I think that a lot can be said about such an exchange of words in many long relationships. I think that this one is particularly intriguing since it makes people think about the relationships they are in and what maturity is and isn’t.
Thorns (Sarah Wisner, Sean Temple)
- Screenwriter: Sarah Wisner, Sean Temple
- Cast: Sydni Perry, Kathleen Burke, Tyler Buckingham, Charlotte Rea
- Cinematographer: Abijeet Achar
- Editor: Sean Temple
Although initially slow, the acting can be hit or miss in some areas; this was only evident at the beginning (first few seconds, if that). There was much more strength and consistency after it starts. Although this could be perceived as subjective, it did not detract from the viewing experience. I think delivery is subjective, so it depends; I still loved the hell out of it as a short. The actors are strong, the concept is remarkable, and the camera work is absolutely breathtaking.
Of course, it is only five minutes of actual film, so the action is brought to a close rather quickly, but both the pace and feel remain consistent throughout. Because while it started slow, it did not remain slow. This short becomes an extremely innovative concept with incredible visual directing. There are some slow-pan shots that I particularly enjoy, as well as the final shot, which is beautifully conceived in terms of PoV camera motif styled shots.
It also has the kind of thriller/suspense I love in short films. Surprisingly enough, I wanted this one to be longer because I was cut off right when I got into it. This is great in that this is what shorts are supposed to do, but the idea is quite brilliant. It really works so well, especially with the narrative incorporating the couple’s desire to just chill. Don’t we all want to just chill without being followed?
The Poet And The Plant (Tom Basis, Robert Summerlin)
- Screenwriter: Robert Summerlin
- Producer: Tom Basis, Michael Hubbard, Morgan Walters, Robert Summerlin
- Cast: Sarah Snook, Robert Summerlin, Masha Shub
- Cinematographer: Jih-E Peng
- Editor: Lee Manor
This short is very Wes Anderson-esque. Beautiful colors, great shots. It is simple, but touching, but very energetic as well. It’s an absolute delight to watch. The synopsis is simple as it says,
“A poet loves his houseplant so much he kills it.”
But it is important that the message and the directing be represented. Enjoy.
Reel Love Fests’ Wherefore Art Thou, Theo? (Theodore Schaffer)
“Wherefore Art Thou, Theo? is a short animation documenting the series of voicemails my mother sent me during a time of loss.”
- Screenwriter: Theodore Schaffer
- Producer: Theodore Schaffer
- Cast: Robin Schaffer – Voicemails
This story is the result of a period of grieving, loss, and loneliness. It is haunting, beautiful, and heartbreaking all at once. I was not prepared for how much I enjoyed this tale. It was beautifully portrayed. The inclusion of voicemails were a brilliant idea. I won’t give away too much to prevent spoilers, but it is a sweet message that will tug at your heartstrings for a hug or a phone call…
