Matriochka

Matriochka means a Russian wooden hollow figure toy, where one smaller size toy is found inside the outer bigger toy

A liberal, progressive, feminist, sexually active, caring single-mother Rebecca (Veronica Akopova) lives with her 16 year old daughter Anna (Monica Gallardo), who imitates and lives a care-free life-style just like her mother. Until one day Anna realizes that she is pregnant. To our astonishment Rebecca reacts with much empathy and compassion towards Anna - saying she gave birth to Anna even before she was 16 years of age and wants to have a grand-daughter and sees herself, Anna and the little baby - all living happily together. But Anna does not want the baby and wants an abortion and she finds an ally in the man (Xavier Girard ) of who is ditched and dropped by Rebecca. The man really understands and supports Anna without any questions and Anna feels safe with him. The thing is - Anna has to choose between being with her mother and having the child - or being with this father figure man - and breaking up with her Mom..? This 14 minute short movie ends with this looming question. This short is jointly written and directed by two actresses - Madaleine Marchal and Sarah Monjaret. All the actors in the cast have acted very well, especially Monica Gallardo who has portrayed her 16 year old care-free character with much ease - showing vulnerability, confusion, anger and guilt - all captured in one emotion. Xavier Girard has just a few scenes - with hardly any dialogues but he leaves an impression as a deep, caring, good human being. At times, it is a shock to watch such promiscuous life-style of teenagers (mother and daughter) taking life with so much "I-give-a-damn" life-style.. I would go with 7.25 out of 10 for this well directed movie.