Oscar Nominated Live-Action Shorts
Kavi (US, India)
This film is about an eponymous boy (named…Kavi) who lives in India, working as the modern day equivalent of a slave with his parents. He longs to play cricket and go to school, but his life’s circumstances, and those of his parents, have essentially proscribed it. His desire for freedom begins to effect his productivity, and his draconian boss takes notice. Kavi must choose between his wretched past, the life that he knows and has grown into, and the unknown, a future of which may or may not include cricket, school, or even his parents. The cinematography is much better than the acting, or the writing for that matter – both of which are adequate, but nothing to write home about.
The New Tenants (US, Denmark)
When a couple moves into a new apartment building, they get far more than they bargained for, including, but not limited to, a quirky old woman, a disgruntled husband, a series of shootings, death threats, and hidden heroin. The directing is clear, intentional, and enhances the comically tragic atmosphere that these two have unwittingly entered. The acting is pretty good, though it leaves something to be desired at times. The characters are fleshed out well, as we both laugh and empathize with this bewildered couple in a frightening – and hilarious – environment.
The Door (Ireland)
A man appears to be on the run in a barren landscape. We know nothing about him. The authorities certainly seem to be after him, or after a certain group of people, of which he is one. Without revealing too much of the plot, suffice it to say that he is on the run, people are after him, and his mission concerns his family. A deep, emotional, haunting film about one’s man relationship with his family, and the lengths he will go for them. Obscured by an intentional ambiguity, the film tells a story we recognize without truly knowing much about – at least at first glance. Great cinematography, combined with a compelling story and several honest performances, makes this one the best of the lot.
Miracle Fish (Australia)
It’s a day much like any other, and a young boy is going to school. Except that it isn’t a day exactly like any other – it’s his birthday, and it just might save his life. His parents packed him a special lunch, including a “toy” of sorts called the Miracle Fish. Lying flat on one’s palm, the fish is a kind of mood ring, with a little more potency. He takes a nap in the infirmary, and, upon waking, discovers the school to be quite unlike the one in which he fell asleep. Disturbing and unnerving, the film follows the boy’s short journey through the day, with very good direction and a handful of good performances.
Instead of Abracadabra (Sweden)
An awkward guy in his twenties (the kind you’d expect to see at a larping tournament) still living at home with his parents wants to pursue his passion: magic. His major flaw: he can’t help but mess up his most dangerous tricks. After an enormous misstep puts his Mom in the hospital, he meets his neighbor, a very attractive Girl Next Door. After arranging to perform for her at a children’s birthday party, he bites off more than he may be able to chew when he invites her to his father’s sixtieth birthday, where will he perform for what may be the last time. Very funny at times, this quirky comedy leaves us guessing in all the right places. It feels fairly “Indie” throughout, with a somewhat bizarre premise and lovable, idiosyncratic characters, whose messed up lives are the source of unending mockery.