Can a secret be too relevant to change the fate of a family? This wonderful short form motion picture contends with that possibility, although not lightly. Rick Jermain (A Clean Exit, Milfs vs. Zombies) made us all feel like dads who gave their all while parenting, no matter how imperfect or not ideal parenting can feel at times. Ricks performance was well supported by the rest of the cast and, in the shoes of the audience, one grows more and more fond of him.
It is hard to review this title without revealing spoilers, which I won't. The beauty about the ending is it left me thinking, as a parent, as to how I would have felt in dad or mom's shoes. I also reflected on what fear can lead you to commit or omit and how unforeseeable the consequences thereof can become. Most importantly, how strong can you become when faced with a situation as the one depicted here. If an ideal motion picture is one that connects reason with emotion, then I think this short gets very close to that definition.
This is a well constructed production every parent should watch. Very clever treatment of social issues. I liked the voice over work at the end, the dark light conditions inside the home, sort of like anticipating something dark is about to happen.
As for downfalls, none, other than I wish this had had feature length so that we could have seen the characters develop a little bit more. Although if we keep in mind this is Andy's first title, that wish is easily faded. What's more, the lens he successfully applied to this film is very relatable in the sens that regrets are a consequence to bear in mind when faced with fear.
I will look for more of Andy Epsilantis' titles in the near future.
