Length: 04:23
Logline: A girl having boyfriend trouble questions the loyalty of her best friend.
This is presented like a docu-drama where people talk to camera as though being interviewed but we also get some behind closed doors drama footage. Perhaps this format isn't the best idea. Is it a documentary or is it a drama? The blurred boundaries is interesting as a story telling mechanism but an audience will be quick to realise that this is a fiction thus turning the docu moments into a gimmick. at points you almost wonder if you're watching two different stories which have just been meshed together.
This is very much the story of two friends although the initial premise suggests it's about one girl experiencing relationship problems with her boyfriend. Dialogue and performances are very naturalistic with a lot of subtext being incorporated into both. Best mates, Sarah Morrison and Marcia Finnie are completely believable and suit their roles perfectly. Shahram Sheyesteh is slightly less convincing as the guy they're both after. To be fair, he doesn't have any lines so doesn't get the chance to shine on screen. The script and editing is very good at showing both sides of the story with nice juxtaposition of shots between the jilted girlfriend and the traitorous best mate which give a nice second meaning to their lines.
This is a dark moody piece which maintains the tone well throughout as well as gradually introducing suspense and interest. A lot of this has been achieved by the orchestra layered soundtrack which is very much in the vein of Hans Rimmer's 'The Ring' (if not a possibly digitally manipulated version itself) Camera quality isn't great but that isn't a major problem. In fact, the low tech feel only adds to the mood. (I can never tell if it's camera quality of upload quality that's effected the online picture, so apologies if I'm incorrect here) The use of extreme close ups aids the intimacy of the story without being claustrophobic. You do have a good sense that you are being allowed access to personal thoughts and private secrets here.
Pacing is very good with slow but important reveals creeping into the plot. Overall, a very thoughtful piece in performance, production, dialogue and edit. It's just the story that isn't overly original and as usual, the film ends just as it looks like something really interesting is about to happen. There is an extended version available here though which fills in some of the blanks and looks more dramatic with possibly the more satisfactory ending.
Best Bit: Juxtaposition of shots and dialogue.
Worst Bit: No conclusion.
Final thought: Who are they talking to?
Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.
Thanks for your review Lee :)
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