When a disillusioned, overworked production assistant finds himself in the most unlikely situation one day, a story belonging to the realm of the absurd begins to unfold. ‘Mayonnaise’ presents a world which starts off as being extremely authentic to the space of a film set, more specifically, a food commercial, but soon devolves into a ride the viewer has just not seen coming. 

Once again, filmmaker Eli Spiegel’s (‘Stain’) voice and tonality dominates, presenting Sam’s bleak perspective regarding his career prospects, and his turning to Sarah, a young but seemingly successful producer on the commercial, in an impatient bid to figure out some sort of a career trajectory for himself. 

The first and the second half of the film, however, come across as disparate parts, unable to present a lucid link that ties them cohesively. Though the approach of the film is unique in its absurdity, it might leave some viewers wanting for a better cause and effect equation within the narrative. Either way, the end result remains deeply entertaining, brought to life with finesse as well as commendable performances and effortless chemistry between the actors.

Mayonnaise | Short Film of the Day

The most interesting word in the title of the film vis-a-vis what it presents to you has to be ‘passion’. The protagonist of our narrative is called Pluto, but it is truly his passion, and the many forms it takes, that become its real driving force. 

A long-take paints Pluto’s chaotic, exploitative world of a film set for us. The story does not shy away from exploring all aspects of the absurd with its larger-than-life approach to storytelling, exaggerating and mocking in equal measure, while perfectly adhering to the confines of its universe. 

In the process, the film also exposes the several layers of dysfunctionality and toxicity that professionals undergo within the media space. However, at no point is this critique burdened with maudlin righteousness or overly sentimental attitudes of any kind. The mingling of humor, parodic and irreverent, with its core message, presents an impactful portrayal of the film's ideas. 

The screenplay and performances together offer a seamless overlap which further allows the film to successfully convey all of this while both engaging and entertaining the viewer. The bizarre realm portrayed before us continues to unravel, devolving into absolute mayhem with every passing moment, but would it truly lead to the realization and fulfillment of Pluto’s passion? The question remains at the heart of the narrative and offers an answer at the end in a shocking manner, alongside being infused with humor that is consistent with the tonality of the rest of the film.

The Divine and Tenacious Passion of an Industrious Filmmaker in the 21st Century| Short Film of the Day

‘Zaara’ is a beautiful, even if heartbreaking, glimpse into the life of the eponymous protagonist. A Pakistani girl in the UK, Zaara lives a life consumed entirely by her creative pursuits of filmmaking. As she struggles to stay afloat in the face of dire financial crisis, tugging at her with full force are also conflicted familial relationships. Located at the heart of debt, emotional burdens of a family that refuses to be supportive (while also suffering in the face of their daughter’s financial choices), Zaara refuses to give up, forever pushing forth. 

 As racist, exploitative debt collectors close in, and the protagonist concocts lies to keep going with the shooting of her film, matters truly come to a head. Accompanying them are tribulations for the family as well, simply because of association with their daughter. 

Though a film of limited resources, ‘Zaara’ leaves no stone unturned in its attempts to weave a poignant story about a young minority voice against the world, which sometimes includes her immediate family and their own sexism. Additionally, it exhibits notable storytelling and an emotional maturity that should be explored in future projects by the team. The character of Zaara is enduring, resilient and flawed in her own ways, precisely what makes her leave a lasting impression in the viewer’s mind. Interacting with her life further, and everywhere that her determination, or even stubbornness, takes her is indeed a prospect to look forward to for the viewer.

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