HOME EDUCATION – SHORT FILM REVIEW
SYNOPSIS:
Short Film. An inquisitive girl is convinced by her controlling mother that her dead dad will resurrect if they show how much they miss him. That is, until he begins to rot.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
The mother daughter relationship starts off as chilling, but as the story continues you learn that a parent can have a huge effect on a child. Both for better or worse. Overall Home Education is a fantastic thriller that keeps the audience guessing.
THE GOOD:
The Lead Actresses – Jemma Churchill and Kate Reed do a magnificent job portraying their roles. Churchill as the mother, Carol, is stern, crazy, and yet loving. Even though her love may be a bit misguided. Reed plays the daughter, Rachel. At first you feel a bad for her and the home that she has to live in, and you hope for her to find a way out of that situation. However, as the story continues your feelings from her change and not necessarily for the better.
Story – A short film lives or dies by telling a concise story. Home Education is able to do this perfect. With the dialog, visuals, and acting you can instantly sense who these people are and what their motivations are. It does this while still keeping the ending a complete mystery.
Visuals and Sound – I don’t want to give away much in this film because of how spectacular it was. But I do want to say that there is a moment where Rachel is outside. The entire scene has absolutely no dialog. It all relies on her emotions, the visuals, and sounds. Somehow Reed and everyone involved were able to weave an excellent tapestry to depict exactly what was going on.
THE EHH AND UGH-LY:
Nothing – This was a near perfect short film.
VERDICT:
I am very glad to have seen Home Education. Their website states that they worked with a feature length script that they hope to shoot eventually. I for one will be there opening night if it ever gets a full length theatrical release.
Home Education is currently traveling the indie film circuits. For information on when and where you can check out this fantastic short film check out their website, Facebook, and Twitter.