When a woman decides to indulge in a random hook-up outside a bar in freezing cold, she has little idea about what the night has in store for her. As a two-hour-long commute begins to the man's house, the mood of the hour goes from passion to an awkward and pronounced lack of conversation. The film employs skilful camerawork of both handheld and fixed shots to weave a narrative which is endearing and poetic at the same time. While the story might have begun on a note to give an impression of a regular romance, bordering on being run-of-the-mill, it unfolds to become something that engages the viewer deeply and leaves them wanting for more instead. The two characters find a space of comfort and warmth in the most unexpected manner, and the same can be said for the experience of the viewer as well. The narrative is further backed by the most appropriate soundtrack that succeeds at its purpose of enhancing the story and the misadventures of two strangers on a night that has perhaps brought them together in a lasting manner.

Long Branch | Short Film of the Day

‘Windows’ is a wonderful endeavor that takes you in the most unexpected directions, in the most seamless ways. A man has arrived at a destination but is unwilling to let go of his cab just yet. He is struggling with a dilemma, an impossible conundrum with no solution in sight. A truly marvelous (read: disconcerting) conversation ensues when he shares the same with the driver. 

The man has been cheated on by his wife with his best friend. As he waits in the car before he sets out to meet the couple for dinner, all sorts of violent thoughts cross his mind. A discussion of the same with the driver carries us down some very dark, disturbing paths. The film employs the limited space of a car most judiciously to conjure this circumstance. 

The conversation that develops is free-flowing, reducing us to the status of not a viewer, but almost an eavesdropper. The lighting exhibits control, and the storytelling skill, ensuring that the film succeeds at conveying all that it had set out to convey.

Windows | Short Film of the Month

Two strangers cross paths with one another in a mundane manner - a cab drive late into the night. As the conversation proceeds, they realize that at the heart of this encounter is another shared experience, one defined by tragedy, that presents a relevant overlap. However, while they may have struck up a conversation without much effort right at the onset, it does in no way mean the rest of their journey, and night is going to be as smooth. 
The journey from the first to the second point, from an initial suggestion of bonding to an extremely eventful and emotionally charged disagreement pivoting on politics, is mapped with ease, humor as well as notable chemistry between the two characters. Though a few rough edges make their presence felt in the department of sound, the actors and writing carry the film with gusto on their shoulders. 
The end result, thus, is not only marked by humor, and drama but also an unexpected moment of companionship found in an otherwise isolating and sterile experience of a cab ride in an indifferent, uncaring city.

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