Synopsis:

A short film about a young women who is going to sell her car. The narrative depicts all the past memories the old car holds for her. (A story based on the director/actor’s own experience.)

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Review by Julie Sheppard:

This touching short from South Africa, Just A Car, takes us on a sweet, sentimental road trip. The pace is just right, as we gradually understand what the old car means to the central figure. The heartfelt narration is both poetic in nature and a thoughtful memory scape. Fond recollections of time between father and child are laid out in front of us, with the emotive performance of the lead, the gorgeous fields, the long country roads, the setting sun, and eventually the stunning vista by the ocean, as the daughter lets her father’s ashes fly in the coastal wind.  

The narrator’s voice is laden with a wistful sadness but also with a grateful tone, having had such a loving, supportive father. One of the most moving images is that of the weathered, dusty hat at the back of the car. It is understood that once upon a time it had been worn by the father, during their sunshine-filled trips together. 

The sound design must also be mentioned, as it sweeps the viewer along. The music moves from soft and gentle refrains to a crescendo of swirling orchestral tones which coincides with the splashing booming waves on the rocky coast. As the film moves to a close and the daughter’s task is complete, the music then fades again, leaving just the sounds of the ocean. Near the end of this soulful road trip, the narrative is forward-thinking as we are led into the future, as another father and his young daughter start a fresh journey together.