Hannah Cohen's Holy Communion

For me it was a little too pretty, too obviously constructed and color-coordinated, from the first title all the way through to the adorable credits. Sets designed by someone who no doubt works in an Instagram-worthy office space and has a designated gift-wrapping room. Likewise, the action was organized with an extraordinarily explicit color scheme. So many orange accents: the VW bug, the headband, and on and on. The mise en scene, including the music box-like soundtrack, was so charming and orderly that it might trigger a nostalgia gag reflex. The little girl star acted naturally and well. The priest was good. Curious about the choice of a shiksa to play a Jewish mom. Then I googled Jewish population of Ireland. Now I get it. While too sentimental for my taste, I can appreciate a lot of planning went into making such a pretty short.