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.

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