Ascendant exists in a beautiful, cinematic, unease-inducing world of its own, developing organically, measuring every step, taking in every progression, before truly revealing its intentions to the viewer. A man wanders around in an abandoned greyhound racing track, allowing himself to take in the glories of the past, the grandeur of an age that has passed him by. As he moves from one corner to another, sipping on a drink from a forgotten bottle, looking at portraits of the greats of the racing world, the narrative draws attention to a sense of admiration within him, perhaps even a longing for a space he cannot inhabit any more. 

Additionally, the black and white cinematography, whether a deliberate choice or technical necessity - adds a sense of disconcertment to the film. It heightens your discomfort with a realm where doe-eyed hounds are pitted against each other, their bone structures humanly-altered to turn them into most optimum racing tools for human recreation. 

While the protagonist may have first allowed us a glimpse into his fascination mixed with curiosity for the lost age, it does not take long for all of it to soon turn to horror, shock and disgust. Do not think for one second that you, the viewer, would be distanced from any of these emotions. The film ensures, as a result of its visual prowess and sophistication, that you feel each of them very deeply. In the process, Ascendant becomes a paradigmatic example of powerful storytelling, which when coupled with technical skill, is capable of producing the most notable results.

Ascendant | Short Film of the Day

Audrey is out for a run with her dog, Gus. A seemingly regular affair, however, soon turns into something sinister when Gus runs deeper into the woods, ignoring all of Audrey's urgent calls.The narratorial progression takes place with an economy of dialogue, leaving the viewer to interact more with the ominous events developing before them, along with the sounds that accompany them. 
The plot continues to present question after question as Audrey sights an unusual presence in the woods. Much to her as well as the viewer's horror, Gus runs deeper into the foliage and emerges only after some time has passed. While his coat may be smeared with an unusual, strange substance, everything else still appears unscathed. And yet, Audrey is deeply disconcerted, also leaving the viewer aware of something being truly amiss. The various components of the narrative are presented thus, while being deliberately obscured by doubts and uncertainty. There is also the desire to experiment with visuals and the edit that sews them together. It is a welcome prospect to engage with subsequent parts of the story and unearth the direction it is eventually headed in.

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