Plot

A film about love, relationships and mental health 'I Thought I Knew You' follows Martha and Esther as they navigate their long term relationship through a storm. Having grown up in a relationship, Esther is left dependent and Martha responsible, causing resentment and pressure. Esther is falling apart, drinking herself into oblivion and not considering what long term effects her needs and anxiety is having on her partner. Unknown to Esther, Martha begins to explore other options when she secretly falls for a man. Nat is striking, together and financially secure - he turns Martha's methodical thinking on its head, leaving her in a spin about making the right decision. As we learn more about Esther's fragile past (suicide attempts and severe anxiety) we see the devastation that may be caused by Martha's reckless infidelity. The power shifts back and forth as Esther takes on the challenge of accepting Martha's current flaws (her lies and deceit) and Martha falls apart at the thought of walking away from familiar surroundings to new ground. This short film takes us on a journey exploring friendship, power and vulnerability as we watch a couple, who know nothing else, begin to realise what life might be like without each other. A short film developed and directed by Dan Lowenstein (House of Create Ltd), written by Sophie Smith-Tong and produced by Jason Matthewson with cinematography by Tom Walder and Matthew Perren of 84 Films.—JM