Janet is a sincere professional, working diligently from a quiet corner of her home-office. However, the universe has some cruel tricks up its sleeve in the form of unannounced pets that accompany unreliable owners, and her husband’s dirty laundry (quite literally) that never seems to end. The narrative employs humor and drama to take us deeper into the plight of the protagonist. 

Despite trying her best to set boundaries, Janet finds herself at the shorter end of the stick regarding her work. However, is there a diamond in the rut that might turn around this hapless situation into a blessing? 

There is a consistency to storytelling in ‘The Deal’, one that perseveres throughout. The conclusion allows it to tie the loose ends together, taking the story home, all the while having entertained and involved the viewer. The film is marked by its lightness and breeziness, and should be approached thus.

The Deal | Short Film Nominee

'Hello Mattress' is an interesting film to engage with. It is essentially a conversation between a couple, Zak and Sara. As Zak bids on a used (or 'slightly used', as he is quick to point out) mattress, Sara is a bundle of paranoia and anxieties about the origins of the mattress, and why it's current owner might be selling it. 

The conversation progresses to rope in the undead and hitmen looking for stowed away cash, while the narrative maintains its deliberate frivolity throughout. The main strength of the film remains the story it chooses to tell, a single moment in the life of two people. It further goes to show how this moment, simply by itself, is capable of invoking different emotions within the viewer. 

All of this is achieved in under five minutes, while using the same physical space. Though a little undercooked, the film definitely shows potential in its voice and storytelling.

Hello Mattress | Short Film Nominee

When the film opens, a man is headed to an unnamed location for an important task. Once outside the destination, the changes he makes to his appearance suggest something seedy is underway. The visuals, coupled with the background score, further aid this assumption for the viewer. However, little do we realize that the truth is far from that, and deliberately so. 

If any images of adultery or a life of lies and betrayal have begun to form in your head, perish them at once. The film thus presents a wonderful subversion of expectations, as the protagonist arrives for an audition for a rock band. It is in this achievement of foiled expectations, and more than once within the narrative, that the film’s most notable triumph lies. This is closely followed by how the narrative does not take itself too seriously, a task easier said than done. 

Additionally, the brevity of the narrative works in its favor, ensuring that it remains taut, and as a result, involving and amusing throughout.

The Callback | Short Film Nominee

It’s Christmas eve and Allie’s mother is heading out for a night shift, leaving her young daughter alone at home. However, because it is a special night, she also leaves Allie with a gift card to buy herself a present. 

Our protagonist browses through different options online, until something finally catches her fancy. It is the option to buy another version of herself to keep her company during an otherwise lonely time. As science fiction attempts a union with horror and thrill, the plot comes into being. 

A swift end to the loneliness that can often plague one during the holiday season seems too good to be true, and it is certainly a dangerous path to tread upon in the case of the protagonist as well. The short film makes a sincere attempt to weave all of these elements together, while experimenting with the manner in which these details are shared with the audience. At the end of it all, the viewer is left with an entertaining, devoted end result.

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