Synopsis:
Blue Burrow is a short movement based film fully immersed in the sun, sand, and water of Lake Huron. The shore is the meeting place for characters of different species, while the world underwater comes to represent the subconscious. Perspectives shift from fish to human to sun, and metaphors about our relationship to the natural world emerge.
Review by Parker Jesse Chase:
“Blue Burrow” is a mesmerizing short film in which transports its audience to the serene landscapes of Lake Huron, where elements of sun, sand, and water intertwine with the lives of humanity. Director Leah O’Donnell takes us on a visual journey in which seamlessly blends human nature to aquatic plantlike worlds, crafting a unique narrative that dives into exploring our relationship with the natural world.
The film begins with capturing the vulnerability of human nature when the camera provides an extreme close-up of a paddle boat as it gives way to a high-angle shot, symbolizing the emotional currents that bind us all. The connection between music and emotion becomes evident as the characters, dressed in intimate flesh-toned undergarments, engage in meaningful gestures of connection. These moments highlight the grounded relationships we build within the elements – water, sand, and seashells – underlining the primal human need for connection, both with each other and with nature.
The color blue, typically associated with melancholy, is transformed into a symbol of calmness and serenity throughout the film. The blue of the water and sky provide a soothing backdrop, fostering a sense of peace that resonates deeply. This multifaceted approach to storytelling mirrors our complex interactions with the world around us.
A standout scene that involves humans holding water plants in their own mouths as the audience is suspended in the aquatic realm, offers an elemental twist on the familiar image of human interactions with plants. This creative approach reinforces the interconnectedness of all life forms and introduces an innovative visual metaphor, deriving from inspirations from plant surrealist photographer Supinatra.
Leah O’Donnell’s direction and choreography expertly guide the cast through a fluid dance that bridges the boundaries between humans, animals, and nature. The film’s cinematography, under the skilled hand of Robert Platt, is nothing short of breathtaking. From the floating water mattress sequences to the challenging in the body of water shots, every frame captures the ethereal beauty of the lake and its counterpart surroundings.
The collaboration between Michael Wall and Lily Gelfand results in a musical score that is both emotionally evocative and healing. The classical compositions complement the visuals, guiding the audience through the emotional journey of the characters as they seek physical and emotional connections.
The film’s location, Lake Huron, becomes a character in itself. Its sun-drenched shores and shimmering waters provide the perfect backdrop for the exploration of human relationships and their ties to the environment. The film successfully marries experimental, surrealist and abstract elements with the grounded nature of its subject matter. In “Blue Burrow,” humanity’s innate need for connection and physical touch is portrayed with poignant sensitivity. O’Donnell’s masterful direction, combined with Platt’s cinematography and Wall and Gelfand’s music, create a symphony of emotions that resonates long after the credits roll. As the characters embrace elements of earth, they remind us of the natural world we are privileged to inhabit. This film is a beautiful ode to life, earth, and nature, an experience in which truly immerses the audience in the depths of our collective existence.
Project Links
Directed by Leah O’Donnell
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
Festival Reviews 