Reviews

This is a seriously sophisticated short film, executed with incredible detail in every department.

The music perfectly matches the tone of the piece with certain instruments managing to capture the very traits of the characters they underscore. The accordion, which by its very nature sound flat, perfectly matched the under-energised, downbeat feel of the old man. The soundscape of trains, bicycle bells and railings are seamlessly woven into the score in a way that enriches the visual experience and set the scene with skilled efficacy.

From the start the title cards suggest you are in for a visual treat with slick illustrations and quality art direction. The attention to detail in this respect is carried right through the piece with a colour palette that is measured and satisfying.

The performances from all three leads really take this film up a notch and the filmmakers have struck gold by casting some of the best British talent around in Charlotte Riley and Brian Cox. And the young boy, played by Joe Reynolds, is such a star.

This is a funny, tragic, tense, gripping, but above all incredibly heartwarming film... it's really got everything you could wish.

This is top notch film-making. I cant recommend it highly enough!

The tone of this film was set from the onset as we see Emily's head bobbing comically up and down the far side of a hedgerow underscored by an equally comedy soundtrack. A word that springs to mind when watching this film is 'kookie' and while that word usually concerns me this film manages to play to everything that is good about that word. This is largely due to a beautifully written script by Natalie Malla and performances from the leads that are both nuanced and genuine. Malla also directly this film which maintains all these qualities throughout, it never sags and every moment is beautifully pitched. Yes, it is a slightly ridiculous set-up, but not for one second was it anything other than completely believable.

This is a colourful, charming, at times melodramatic comedy in the vain of classic quintessentially British rom-coms. The lead character reminds me of a British version of Carrie Bradshaw struggling to maintain a sense of what is appropriate in the aftermath of a break-up. It reminds us all of the inappropriate things we might have done in the name of love.

For me the most effective short films just take a small moment in time and elevate them, and this is such a good example of that. Two unlikely characters who meet, have a genuine connection and impact each other's lives. I for one was completely won over by them both.

At times some of the music does feel a little overly synthesised, especially when it seeks to replicate orchestral sounds. This ever so slightly jarred with the musician in me, but on the whole the music is very effective and the song over the end credits enhances the feel-good feeling you are left with as the film draws to a close.

The film features some incredibly high-quality production values both in terms of direction, cinematography, sound and performance. The atmosphere of the park in summer is so authentic. It really gives a sense that you are there in the park with the lead characters, observing what's going on. The film comes together to make for a very entertaining 14 minute short that I would highly recommend watching. It's rare that I would comment on the title cards of a film but these were so slick and pleasing on the eye that they deserve a mention.

This fantasy story of Celtic folklore and mythical gods is set in a barren world which pits man against nature. Hawk features some incredibly striking visuals right from the start and the wild Snowdonian landscape is captured with great skill by cinematographer Martin Hill. The visuals continue to deliver impact as the film proceeds with some stunning wildlife photography.

But where some short films deliver solely on visuals but lack story Hawk is equally strong in delivering both. The plot can feel a little sparse at time, requiring a bit of work from the audience to understand what is happening, but this is part of why this film works so well for me. It forces you to lean into the film, working at it to understand the complex folklore that has been shared for generations and the effect it has on the characters.

I came away with a sense that I had genuinely been on a journey with the lead character of Rowan. This is in part due to the quality casting with performances that are perfectly pitched. But it is also due to the breadth of backstory delivered subtly in voiceover and matched by very clear visuals that enhanced the storytelling. There is also a genuine chemistry between Rowan and his father Gawain which lead me to quickly invest in the characters.

The lush and epic score composed by Stuart Hancock, featuring stunning vocals from the Serendipity Choir with sweeping orchestral accompaniments add a whole other dimension and authenticity to this film and are a key part of why it is so effective.

It is rare to see a short film attempt such an epic story, especially while maintaining such high production values and for that this film should be congratulated.

Hawk is also a timely allegory for how man should respect nature and not abuse it. There is a natural order to the world, and messing with that has consequences, which Rowan learns for himself.

There is a darkness to this film. When we learn that there is civilisation beyond the wilderness it made me question why Rowan and Gawain are living in the wild. Were they outcasts? Had Gawain taken his son away from his mother? These are the sort of question that remain once the films ends, and while I had several such questions it was refreshing for a film to leave a lasting impact and I felt, in part, that these unanswered questions were intentional and effective.

If you have 40 minutes, check this film out. It's got everything you'd expect from a high budget feature while addressing some timely themes. It is class filmmaking with some interesting performances that won't disappoint. A couple of the overlaying techniques feel a tad dated but on the whole this is a timeless film with quality visuals, performances and soundtrack.

Gin & Dry perfectly demonstrates quite how much can be done in short-film format. What a brilliant gem of a film. While it is, on the face of it, a simple heist story set in an old people's home, it touches on themes of age, loss, companionship, and as a result triggers all kinds of emotions throughout.

The photography is incredibly elegant and the cinematic shots are enhanced with a stunning colour grade. All in all this film makes for a very satisfying visual experience. The visuals are further matched by a quality score and a soundscape that perfectly captures the old people's home. The soundscape is truly evocative, especially in moments when Albi pours himself a Gin & Dry.

The attention to detail is evident and this extends to the beautifully designed title cards which add a further level of class to the film.

Some of the performances are more effective than others, but the title role of Albi played by David de Keyser is perfectly pitched and truly moving.

The script is powerful and in less skilled hands some of the monologue may not have been so effective. But here it is beautifully pitched without being overly melodramatic or maudlin. A truly delicate balance is struck throughout.

This is definitely one to watch. I can't recommend it highly enough as a fantastic example of the short-film format.