Rewriting Mallory – A Short Film Review
Rewriting Mallory is an excellent short that takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. From start to finish this short was thoroughly enjoyable and comes highly recommended.
What’s It All About?
Rewriting Mallory follows the lives of two people struggling to maintain control amidst the messy reality of an unpredictable life. Joshua, a young man dealing with grief after the passing of his sister, turns to writing as a means of processing his emotions. Mallory, a young woman who seems to always be one step behind, finds her life crumbling in front of her over the course one awful day. As their paths intersect, we are left to wonder: are we really the authors of our own stories?
My Opinion
Director Emerson Adams has created an intimate film that really manages to touch the audience on an emotional level in a way not many films do. The general plot of the short is not something that hasn’t been done before but the way in which it is captured makes it fresh viewing. I thoroughly enjoyed how Adams played with the narrative of the plot and I found this very effective, even if it was a little expected by the time the real twist occurs. The over-arching themes of human relationships, grief and healing through creativity all sing through the screen. You will be thinking about this short long after the credits roll.
Emerson Adams has managed to keep the story grounded when it would be very easy to take the film in a more fantastical direction. I like how they made the film character driven and I think really helps it avoid becoming too clichéd. The science fiction elements are not thrown in your face and are gracefully presented in a way that makes the short flow well. Adams has kept everything tight and I think it really pays off. The camera comes up close when it is needed but at the same time, Adams is confident enough to bring the camera back and let the scene breathe. Adams delivers an entertaining short with a real heart-felt message. Adams along with Director of Photography Vy Tran should be commended for their excellent cinematography.
Visually this film is a treat. We jump from scene to scene, covering a number of well presented scenes, with the crew demonstrating a keen eye for detail. It’s these small details that really make the difference on indie shorts such as this. Setting the scene and making it believable is so important for the immersion of the viewer. Some great shot selection helps to keep the story moving, but when the moments call for it, not being afraid to stand still for a moment and let the audience feel the raw emotions of the actors. I found this superbly done and really heightens the film on an emotional level. If I had to be picky, I could have asked for a little bit more colour in certain scenes, a few dashes of brightness, particularly in the more feel-good moments may have enhanced the experience a little. But overall Willow Richeson needs to be praised for her Set Decoration.
The performances in “Rewriting Mallory” are commendable, with the actors delivering strong and believable portrayals of their respective characters. In particular,Jonathan Erwin shines as Joshua, capturing the depth of his grief and vulnerability, while Tammy Sanow brings a sympathetic quality to the titular character, Mallory. The supporting cast, including Lucy Borchers, Bryson Schultz, Timothy J. Cox, and Zach Holt, also deliver solid performances, adding layers to the story and contributing to the overall effectiveness of the film. Overall, the performances in “Rewriting Mallory” are a highlight, showcasing the talent and commitment of the cast in bringing the characters and their experiences to life.
“Rewriting Mallory” is well paced, making the most of it’s twenty minute runtime. While we aren’t rushed from scene to scene, the plot is always moving, naturally revealing it’s layers as the story progresses and giving the audience yhe time to process the emotions of the actors on each of their respective journeys.
The soundtrack plays an important part in this short. The film effectively manages to enhance some of the scenes with sound, heightening emotions and creating an excellent atmosphere. From some of the more uplifting moments to the more depressing situations, the soundtrack aids in the immersive experience for the viewer. There were a good team of people working behind the scenes on the sound and it really shines through. A commendable job by all involved.
Notable Performances
Tammy Sanow puts in a fine performance as Mallory. She manages to display a wide range of emotions convincingly, from strong and determined to vulnerable and depressed, Tammy gives us an authentic display that is carried over to the audience. Sanow shows real depth in her performance.
Jonathan Erwin plays Joshua. Jonathan gives us a seemingly natural performance that brings depth and authenticity to his character. He effectively conveys Joshua’s emotional struggle, allowing the audience to empathize and connect with his pain. Erwin’s ability to balance vulnerability with restraint showcases his talent as an actor. His performance captures the complexity of Joshua’s role as both a storyteller and a grieving individual, immersing viewers in the character’s journey of self-discovery and healing.
Bryson Schultz plays Mallory’s disappointed boyfriend. For his limited screen time Bryson gives a convincing performance. He manages to translate to the audience his frustration and disappointment on screen with some great facial expressions highlighting the complex emotions a relationship brings. His performance may only be a minor one but he adds tension to the story as well as helping to build the overall narrative.
Timothy J. Cox plays Mallory’s boss. Cox confidently captures the cruel nature of business. He makes the most of his limited screen-time by delivering a memorable character, balancing his brash delivery to Mallory while also showing a reflective, more forgiving side.
The Verdict
Overall Rewriting Mallory is an excellent short. A well written story, accompanied by some fine direction, smart production, good use of cinematography and a brilliant cast make for the perfect ingredients to this film. The film is balanced and well thought out. Great use of sound and set design mean that it is visually and audibly appealing to the audience. A real testament to the all the cast and crew for their hard work. It has definitely paid off.
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