Parker Jesse Chase

Short Film Review: STAG HUNT, 12min., Sci-Fi Experimental

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Synopsis:

Trapped in a closed time-like curve, our duo is learning to cooperate by running through a paradox inside of an infinite hotel. By doing so, they seek an escape from the loop and meaning in a quantum multiverse.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

Created by Michele Reilly -  Directed by Audrey Kezzyn

Stag Hunt, a sci-fi fantasy short film, takes its audience on a mind-bending journey through the intricacies of time travel and the mysteries that lie behind the quantum multiverse. At its core, Stag Hunt explores the dynamics of friendship and collaboration as the duo, reminiscent of an iconic pair such as Marty and Doc from Back to the Future, embarks on a quest to explore a closed time-like curve within an infinite hotel. The film presents the butterfly effect of their time-traveling endeavors, showcasing the myriad outcomes stemming from a single choice or action.


The narrative begins with an eclectic yet memorable opening shot, focusing on our lead character putting gum behind her ear, offering subtle insights into their daily lives. However, the film occasionally struggles with maintaining a balance between scripted dialogue and natural human expression, creating a sense of detachment from the immersive world it aims to build.

The tone, at times monotone, adds to this feeling of disbelief and disconnect.


The universe of Stag Hunt is intricately crafted through elements like rotary phones, a metal soldering gun, electrical cords across a desk, and vintage costumes, complemented by wire-framed glasses on our leading man. The characters, while distinctly created, delve into scientific jargon that might be overwhelming, yet intriguing, for viewers. The inclusion of the Netflix symbol and commentary on sirens adds a contemporary twist to the otherwise scientific narrative.


The film artfully navigates through the complexities of time travel, exploring hypotheses and theories within the realm of science. The montage of trial and error as the characters work on their time-traveling device is a beautifully executed build-up, leading to a captivating scene of silence where the rules of science and the universe take center stage.


Stag Hunt culminates in a visually stunning credit sequence, leaving a lasting impact as it pans out to reveal thousands of different outcomes. Michele Reilly and Seth Lloyd deliver commendable performances, despite occasional struggles with dialogue delivery. Vasili Ivanov’s cinematography captures the essence of the film’s unique universe.

Stag Hunt is a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, science, and the consequences of our choices, wrapped in the captivating cloak of time travel and the quantum multiverse. While the film faces challenges in maintaining a seamless blend of script and humanization, its visual appeal and thematic depth make it a compelling watch for fans of the sci-fi genre

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Short Film Review: EPICYCLE, 7min. Animation/Experimental

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Synopsis:

A surreal experimental animated allegory of the cyclical rise, fall and evolution of social order.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

Epicycle, an experimental animated short film, takes audiences on a surreal journey through the cyclical nature of social order, using a mesmerizing blend of animation and allegory. This unique creation is an exploration of the rise, fall, and evolution of societal structures.


The film opens with gears in motion, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of ticking of a clock, creating a sensation of time itself slowing down. The close-up of interconnected gears gradually pulls back to reveal an entity on a hoverboard, adorned with a face reminiscent of a plague mask. This character traverses in what appears to be a museum or gallery, emphasizing the cyclical nature of human existence. The gears continue to persist as the film transitions to pawns on a chessboard, symbolizing an almost robotic cycle of life. The entities within the animation seem to be going through the motions, akin to the routine viewing of art in a gallery.

The ticking gears merge with the same tempo of a heartbeat, immersing the viewer to a reflective state of mind.


The film’s color palette adds onto the surreal and bilateral element, enhancing the overall immersive experience. The gears, noise, and surroundings create an allegorical ambiance, mirroring the way one can become absorbed in a museum. A quick zoom behind the eye offers a glimpse into the soul, shifting the gallery’s perspective and connecting the audience with the essence of human nature.


Epicycle is a visually captivating and thought-provoking journey through the cycles of social order. Its experimental nature, combined with allegorical storytelling and vibrant animation, makes it a unique and engaging viewing experience. The film successfully prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of humanity and the art that reflects our shared experiences.

Film directed by Deb Ethier

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Short Film Review: BLUE BURROW. Directed by Leah O’Donnell

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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.

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Directed by Leah O’Donnell

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Short Film Review: THE UNICORN SYMPOSIUM, 9min., Fashion Film

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“Unicorn Symposium,” a short fashion film directed by Max Simonson, is an expressive and magical film taking viewers on a journey of self-discovery and the power of embracing the present moment. With stunning production design by Lufan Shi and captivating clothing and accessories by Vow Studio, the film creates a visually engaging experience seamlessly blending between reality and fantasy.

The opening shot introduces us to our leading lady, portrayed by actress Olivia Fildes, whose clothes—a simple white turtleneck and black denim jacket—reflect her plain and neutral personality. Standing beside her is a pedestrian holding onto a white balloon, symbolizing imagination and childlike wonder. The use of a colorful abstract sweater on this distant wayfarer creates a striking visual contrast, further accentuating her subdued character. This contrast emphasizes our protagonist as a “Plain Jane” living in a mundane existence.

As the story unfolds, we witness our leading lady spending a seemingly ordinary day shopping at the mall. However, through clever foreshadowing and the appearance of our stranger on the street, color bursts onto the screen as they pass by a contemporary Memphis design-inspired style boutique. This transition marks a turning point as the protagonist’s dull personality begins to shine brighter, as she begins to shop and choose clothing pieces for a classic dressing room montage.

The film skillfully employs extreme close-up shots to reveal our leading lady is featured in the polaroids displayed on the mirror, leaving her bewildered. Suddenly, she finds herself transported to another world, reminiscent of the movie “13 Going on 30.” Walking into her surprise birthday party, the look on her face expresses her confusion and disbelief. The production design masterfully creates a retro atmosphere, complete with paper umbrellas, polaroids, handheld cameras, balloons and metallic streamers, ultimately enhancing the overall celebratory experience.

Despite her attempts to convince the group it is not in fact her birthday, the party guests, through their gifts and affection, persist in celebrating her. The film expertly portrays a play on clichés, as the production design, including the delectable food styling, immerses viewers in the festive atmosphere. From fun drinks to birthday cake, a chocolate fondue fountain, and gelatin treats, the partygoers embrace the moment and live within the joyous celebration.

In these moments of revelry, our leading lady undergoes a transformation, changing into the clothes she left behind in the fitting room. Feathers fly, creating a dreamy and whimsical effect, symbolizing her newfound freedom to live fully in the present. The film captures the essence of a special day, filled with spontaneous singing, pinata smashing, and heartfelt laughter.

Amidst the chaos and jubilation, tears are shed and laughter resounds, underscoring the emotional depth of the characters. As the experience comes full circle, a recreated moment reminiscent of the first polaroid seen on the mirror brings everything back together. Our protagonist, realizing the significance of the occasion, feels compelled to capture the moment on her phone, reflecting the modern tendency to document and share every aspect of life.

However, as she leaves the room to grab her phone, life takes another unexpected turn, forever altering her perception of reality.

“Unicorn Symposium” is an enchanting expressive experience derived from Max Simonson’s direction, coupled with Lufan Shi’s stunning production design and Vow Studio’s impeccable clothing and accessories, create a visually captivating experience for all. Ray Lin’s music composition further enhances the film’s atmosphere, making it an ultimately cohesive and magical journey.

In its exploration of self-discovery and the importance of remaining present, “Unicorn Symposium” reminds audiences of the value of cherishing the experiences unfolding before our very eyes. This thought-provoking and enchanting film will leave viewers questioning the extent to which we should be living in the moment free from our technological devices.

Review Written by Parker Jesse Chase

Directed by  Max Simonson

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