The film is an amusing exchange between two men located on opposite ends of a spectrum, the spectrum of love for pickleball. The conversation is between a therapist and a client, a devout lover of the sport, and a passionate hater, respectively.
It develops much like a match, from one opponent to another, all along defined by the film’s consistent lightheartedness. The narrative does not bog itself down with forced layers or complexities. The consequent straightforward approach to the story and screenplay works in the film’s favor, supported with ease by the back-and-forth banter of the two actors. 
Perhaps there could be more episodic snippets giving glimpses into their lives in the future, exploring more of this buddy-film-esque chemistry.

Picklelove | Spotlight

An underground syndicate, Red, its renegade rival clan, Black, and the government’s Special Forces to deal with them, constitute the world of ‘Figures’. As the warring factions wage an unending battle, a Special Forces operative, Kurtis finds himself in the heart of turbulent action. 

The film does a notable job of choreographing the action sequences. The swift pace and viper-like movements keep the viewer engaged and involved. At the same time, at the plot level, some key developments are swirling, ensuring that the protagonist's fate lies in the balance right till the very end. 

There is never a drop in the energy, crucial for a film as driven by action as ‘Figures’. Betrayal and questionable loyalties continue to thicken the plot alongside it, and when the most critical revelation finally arrives, it will leave the protagonist’s world, which has been constructed with the utmost care so far, completely destroyed.

Figures | Short Film of the Day

Two friends are out for a walk along a dark, empty path. The narrative endeavors to establish that something is amiss during this seemingly usual evening. A third presence watches them from a distance, bidding its time, waiting for the right moment to make itself known. 

The narrative operates predominantly inside the space of suggestion. Within its short duration, it also attempts to pack humor, thrill and horror. As the two friends continue to talk about their immediate, mundane reality, the plot develops to come into its own. 

The future can perhaps offer a longer, more detailed version of the current project. Currently, it presents a moment, a circumstance that can be expanded upon in later attempts.

Peekaboo | Short Film Nominee

Two captivating women, with a charming exchange between them, take us into a small episode from their lives. As one of them begins sharing outlandish stories about Zeinah, the narrative comes into being. 

The evasive Zeinah, who we never see on screen, who once woke up in the pool of her own blood, is the silent third presence at this cafe. Also present at the cafe are two young artists, James and Cameron, as part of another stab by the plot to invoke humor. 

The coming of all of these elements is straightforward and simple, while aiming to entertain and amuse the viewer all along. The chemistry of its actors is notable, as is the attempt of conjuring a narrative which is simply the portrayal of a single moment in time, defined by a single conversation.

Mayfair | Short Film Nominee

When the viewer is first introduced to the eponymous protagonist, little do they realize what is truly in store for them. A peppy man is on his way to work as a nurse at an old age home. At the home itself we are introduced to three characters, each of which he finds a way to torture while maintaining the same peppiness we had been introduced to earlier. 

The film is an endeavor to employ satire and an element of the absurd to present a very relevant message, one about the neglect and abuse of the elderly. Its desired approach is defined by dark humor to portray it all. Additionally, there is a stab at playing around with the edit, with quick shots and tight frames to conjure it all. 

The narrative moves swiftly between emotional states, creating a disorienting, heady cocktail of something mean and nasty unfolding before you. It invokes concern in the viewer regarding the characters we see around the protagonist, but much like the characters themselves, the viewer too is at the mercy of the many cruel antics of the protagonist, watching them develop in quick succession as the film begins and concludes as instantly as it had begun.

HeNurse | Short Film Nominee

Chess is desperate to secure a job which is why when he gets a prompt response to his application over email, he is quick to see the positives in it, one might argue, even a little too quick. He runs with the excitement and cheer dawning upon him that he has gotten the position, swiftly calling up his mother to share the news. 

This is followed by a heartfelt proposal to his girlfriend, as well as a conversation on securing a penthouse for their new life, a house completely out of his budget. Watching the protagonist run from pillar to pole in his glee which is based on a miscommunication is akin to watching a train wreck waiting to happen without the ability to stop or alter its course in any way. 

The end result becomes an amusing narrative, even if conjured at the expense of the hapless protagonist. While Chess's story might have begun with much enthusiasm, it soon fizzles out with the eventual outcome; though entertaining for the viewer, it is a horrid death knell for all of his happy plans.

Got It | Short Film Nominee

The short narrative is a brief glimpse into an afternoon when a very-in-love couple is out for a walk. The scene established so far is expected to be blithe and carefree, until a deeply strange turn of events comes to plague it. An injured man staggers into the frame, desperately seeking help. Will the man and woman then prove to be up to the task of helping him? 

Blood and gore are tied within the narrative, along with attempts of humor and absurdity as its shares its intentions with you. Splatter is interweaved with comedy to further present the plot to the viewer. 

‘Portals’ is an interesting endeavor, definitely leaving the door open for similar storytelling by the team. It would also be a welcome prospect to accompany the couple on more of their (mis?)adventures.

Saturday in the Park | Short Film Nominee

There are no hows and whys in the world of 'Post Haste'. The story of simply one night, it introduces us to two characters, Jason and Carl - a sword-wielding man dressed as a viking, and an Uber Eats driver who is going about his regular business of making deliveries. 

Through this strange encounter, the narrative strives to invoke humor, mostly at the expense of the characters before us. From fries, and hapless customers who should have ideally been the recipient of those fries, to tears, moments of intimacy, and unexpected offerings from one to another, a whole spectrum of scenarios are presented to you. 

The short eventually comes across as a lighthearted endeavor that does not take itself too seriously. Consequently, it should be approached with the same perspective. While the end product stands to gain from a better control on lighting, on the whole, it remains well-intentioned and honest.

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