While trying to come to terms with his relationship with his father, the protagonist gives the viewer an intense, unabashed look at everything the relationship has meant for him. The narrative explores the co-existence of an all-consuming, overwhelmingly powerful love, positioned right beside the complete absence of it, or worse, its transformation into anger, bitterness, and resentment. While there may be hope and desire for a bond between two people, if the foundation is already festering, there is little room for any kind of redemption or salvaging, the film suggests. 

At the film’s start, we are presented with the image of the protagonist writing something, but if it’s a literal reality of him writing something based on his relationship with his father, or is it only a metaphor for him re-writing the relationship itself in his head to eventually find closure and thereby move on, becomes a relevant thought to engage with. 

As the plot develops, talks of dreams and writing find their way into it, coupled with Shakespearean lyricism. However, each element only leads to the same discussion, the portrayal of a highly damaging equation, and the power it still has over the protagonist. He may feel suffocated, and uncomfortable, presented alongside the Oedipal image of a son inflicting violence on his father. There may be harking back to the childhood games, and yet, all of it always remains punctuated by something graver, heavier. Pain, hurt, and disappointment never leave the narrative, finding an echo within the screenplay and performances, while being portrayed in an engaging, experimental manner all along for the audience to interact with.

How We Play | Short Film of the Day

Newlyweds Harold and Katharine are trying to figure out a very crucial task - the act of getting sexually intimate with each other. With an existence steeped in religious modesty, the two are unaware of how to proceed, and thus, choose to take guidance from a videotape that follows the path of holy instructions to impart this knowledge. 

The film employs stop-motion visuals and elements of a silent film to bring its reality to life and does so with ease. The performances keep the pace and narrative swift and tight, allowing the viewer to be entertained by the many antics and misadventures of the characters. 

The end result is entertaining and consistent with its approach, and leaves the viewer amused at the fate of the newlyweds, with an eventual answer regarding whether or not they succeed in their quest to consummate their marriage nestled within its conclusion.

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