FOLLOW THE ARROW

The story of this short film is quite simple but recounted in a very convoluted way that brings beauty and purpose to the film. Viewers experience something they couldn't visualise just by reading a script for instance; they have to watch it in order to feel the tension built in a very discrete way.

The outset unfolds using a particular cinematographic style, sound and state of mind. It's also acknowledged by the intro credits font that reminds us of "The Godfather"(1972). Classy yet full of mystery, the camera movement is always on point and has exciting pov's. Each cut has a dazzling sound linked to the evolution of the editing pace that converges everything in a splendid utter, improving the whole atmosphere substantially.

The plot is gently built in a tangled way as scenes unfold under our eyes: the viewers should remain focused until the very end to understand the subtle details and to connect the dots. Here comes the femme fatale, a sexy blonde woman wearing a red dress in a not so coincidental red gallery that seems to be her safe space or the place where she is feeling herself since her red appearance integrates best with the environment. This particular detail communicates that in the following flashes, viewers will witness passionate moments filled with romantic tension and lust, achieved in this scene also with the well-fitting French accent of the woman. If French is not the language of love, then what could be more appropriate than this?

Furthermore, as we got to see the performance of the actress in other movies like "The Role of a Lifetime" where she has an entirely different role, it's admirable how amazing her acting is. We're looking forward to seeing her in other films, maybe working with the same director, like Joel Coen and Frances McDermott.

The camera's positions are exciting, giving depth to the story and more personality and mystery to the characters. The museum scenes followed by the love fantasy ones are well calculated and designed. The editing dosage establishes the perfect mood for the epic ending. The nude paintings integrate with the love scenes in enchanting synesthesia that summons the classic well- known love scenes from Basic Instinct (1992). Throughout the film, we have a feeling of uneasiness, like a 3rd character is always watching from the dark and, in the end, we get to see the unexpected appearance of a CGI Cupid. It looks a little strange like taken from another movie, but for this short appearance and compared with the rest of the film, we agree that it looks great for this point of the story.

All in all, "Follow the Arrow" aims to transform a simple story in a tangled and mysterious one. The team managed to bring out the best of this material. We're definitely expecting to see more shorts like this one.

film review by Leo Barton