The story of Uproot is of loss, tragedy, financial trouble, growth and above all, family. Delving into the many nuances and complexities that come to constitute a familial structure, the film packs a complete product in its short duration. It achieves it all by way of a single conversation one afternoon between a woman and her brother. The performances are undisputedly one of the strongest aspects of the film. This is in close competition with the visuals which make wonderful use of light, shadows and a limited physical space of primarily a single room. The camera stays static as the woman moves in and out of the room, trying to take stock of the damage done to the house, and in turn, to her brother's emotional health and life in general. On the face of it, the narrative is simple - it's one sibling trying to convince another to move on, to not let grief pull themselves in too deep. However, look closer, and there is more - there is regret, a fallen plant with a broken pot as a beautiful metaphor, but also careful hands, gingerly putting it back together. There is anger, but also a desire to grow, and above all, there is love and a sense of hope.

Uproot | Short Film of the Day

The short film is honest and intimate enough to make the viewer feel inadequate at their unwitting peaking into the private life of its two characters. The plot is simple and is told with a deeply impressive sense of sincerity. A couple wakes up one morning in bed, and after a failed attempt at sex, a fight ensues. The performance by Jen Tullock is definitely one of the most remarkable things about the narrative, along with the judicious use of space. The entire drama of the film unfolds within a small studio apartment. The camerawork is smooth and effortless, almost making the viewer forget that they are not actually physically present with the characters. Add to it a convincing chemistry and an expertly told story by director Joey Ally, and the film becomes a well-rounded, balanced piece of cinema sure to be worth the viewer's time and attention.

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