The film weaves technology and sexuality together to create the most skilled and arresting narrative about the journey with regards to his gender identity and the manner in which it comes to be located in his marriage. As Emelia and Jeff celebrate their twentieth marriage anniversary, they decide to experiment with virtual reality glasses that echo their deepest subconscious perceptions of the self. A hesitant and sceptical Jeff is encouraged by his wife to let go of his apprehensions and try them on. What follows next is perhaps something neither the viewer nor the couple could have expected. Instead of potentially a night of "kinky sex", as later on one of the characters goes ahead to call it, it becomes one of revelations and self-discovery. The film employs light and sound to conjure an atmosphere of unease, which is an echo of the uncertainty, nervousness and confusion of the characters themselves. The performances blend in most seamlessly with the camerawork which only enhances the mood and sentiment that have been invoked so far. Consequently, the story of the film is a beautiful one, striking the right chords and exploring the most worthy nuances. Indeed its biggest strength lies in the manner of using something as clinical and potentially cold as science, to engage with human emotion, identity and the idea of the self in the most delicate manner.

Vert | Short Film of the Day

Engaging with a nuanced aspect of adoption, the short film strives for and achieves an adept exploration of sexuality. It foregrounds the supremacy of heteronormative structures of society refusing to budge from its fixed position. A young boy in a Brazilian orphanage is adopted by a family who soon sends him back to the orphanage. It continues several times until the viewer is allowed a glimpse into his life and the opportunity to find out for themselves the reason behind all the failed adoptions. The film offers the most delicate handling of a sensitive subject and portrays a boy's coming to terms with his sexuality in a skilful manner. The camerawork further enhances this as does the performance of the cast. The narrative manages to tap into the fierceness as well as the vulnerability of Jonathas with effortless ease and notable expertise. With its unique premise and honest storytelling, The Orphan becomes a poignant engagement with sexuality and a child's need to belong in the face of the hegemony of a cis-gender society that refuses to look beyond its monolithic foundations. In the process, it becomes a relevant comment on gender, the fluidity of sexuality and the pure innocence inherent to a child's approach to the world.

The Orphan | Short Film of the Day

At the heart of the narrative rests a mother-child equation, the equation shared between Patricia and Gemini. The former is completely unable to reach the latter, even though she can see something is truly weighing down on Gemini. The narrative soon reveals the conflict gnawing away at Gemini, a transgender boy who wants to be called James, the same name as his father. The circumstance is more complex for Patricia who is struggling with her recent divorce. As she attempts to wrap her head around it, to ease her son’s transition as well as provide him a safe space, the film presents its ideas to you. The narrative is well-intentioned with promising moments when it comes to the writing, and the expression of its intentions.

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