WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What we seek in others can be either fulfilling or an exercise in regret. With the constant state of flux friendships and relationships encounter, it can so often lead to that which lasts forever or those fleeting moments that become lost to time and filled with the ever-present, sometimes outright debilitating question–what if? Then, will it be the rekindling of a flame or the death of connection? For one woman (Kelsey Dougherty) and man (Sean Gunnell), a night out at a restaurant will plumb the deepest depths of what once was, what the present reveals, and what, if any, future their association shall embrace.
Next, my Mind:
I’ve always had a consistently fueled notion about the potency of indie cinema and it’s ability to take on the dynamic realities of human interaction and paint an engaging, grounded, bluntly candid, thought-provoking tapestry that impacts us as a viewer while not shying away from actualities we face, offering a relatability that only allows the thematic explorations to resonate more profoundly. Perhaps it was a matter of the timing when it comes to certain levels of its story’s baseline premise I have been dealing with, but I personally found all those elements fully, effectively utilized via this 15-minute short film effort from director/producer Breanna Wing, writer/producer/editor/lead actress Kelsey Dougherty, and executive producer Kevin Goetz.
Heavily relying on a foundational battle between selflessness and selfishness presented in the context of two adults coming together after a period of time to have a decidedly unreserved, forthright conversation about the history of their once shared affinity towards one another, it becomes a no-holds-barred, highly emotional, embittered yet undeniably affecting journey into the realms of unforgiveness, the need for unconditional love and reciprocated affection, unreasonable expectations, hurtful invalidation, and the equally powerful sense of attraction that can still linger beneath it all, wanting to be set free, yet possibly lost forever. Honesty is put in the spotlight, but in a manner that so deftly delivers the rawness of what’s being discussed that it almost acts as its own separate “character” as the couple talk through everything.
What also stood out for me is that when a particular segment of revelation comes around in the pair’s verbal jousting, the film does a fantastic job of allowing it change the already tension-filled mood and tone of the narrative to such an extent that it then leaves you firmly trying to decide exactly who you really do feel sorry for in this scenario, and it might not necessarily be as obvious as you might think. Though, admittedly, I felt myself leaning in one specific direction by the film’s palpably volatile yet understatedly executed finale that truly places a poignant, heartrending cap on all we’ve witnessed, causing us to ponder hurt, transparency, the effect our decisions have on others, and the most sobering truths found in that aforementioned question posed in the synopsis above.
Additionally, the concepts of uncertainty, hindsight, apathy, justification, and harsh acceptance of how things need to be are also on display here with no less vigor and relevant dominance and persuasiveness. The film’s setting–what appears to be an isolated booth in a restaurant–complete with the moody lighting and sense of both seclusion yet exposure very much aids in pushing the atmosphere needed here, and the camera work focuses on each character with an intense eye as if the lens itself was pulling out all the words from the characters as they navigate their uncomfortably frank talk. It’s a smartly thought out and designed means of visual attack that makes us realize as the viewer how overt simplicity can be SO beautiful to a story’s needs if done well, as it was here for this critic.
Dougherty brings an always-welcome level of realism, vulnerability, and inner fire to bear through her role as the woman, an evidently kind-hearted, kind-spirited yet deeply yearning soul only seeking to discover the love she so desires yet it still seems finds frustratingly elusive despite having an overall life that has moved forward for her in what we can only gather has been a satisfying way. Yet, she now finds herself in the midst of strongly contentious situation with a former flame, trying to ascertain exactly what happened–and what could have potentially been. Is it true closure she’s seeking, some form of retribution for past pain he’s caused her, or is there more that has re-manifested and desires even a remote chance of some kind of reconciliation? It’s all covered here, and Dougherty absolutely nails the blatant and subtle nuances of the character’s plight with complete, impactful presence that very much aids in creating the narrative’s mercurial tenor.
Likewise, Gunnell delivers a character that is as much filled with an arrogance as it is rife with a combination of hesitant apathy, confusion, regret, and his own sense of loss via the role as the man, one who initially seems on nothing but the receiving end of some direct attacks against his nature, even as he returns fire with such a beautifully delivered, quiet yet somewhat carelessly presented “I’m not at fault here, take a look in the mirror” demeanor that may or may not end up being his ultimate undoing as more and more comes out in the course of this tete-a-tete. It really becomes about how his reactions to her statements further the course of their talk’s direction and the secrets that arise from it, and it is a total credit to Gunnell’s wonderfully subdued performance that sells us on the character and his role in the proceedings, a big credit to Gunnell’s acting chops for me and another testament to the simmering undertones the story carries.
A brief cameo/supporting appearance is made by the director/producer Wing herself as the server for the couple’s table at the eatery. In total, “A Conversation” is a creatively powerful, simple yet no less direct, stirring, and relatable character piece that showcases the wonder of character and narrative-driven film. It is efforts like this that can so perfectly demonstrate the changing dynamics found in real life relationships of any kind, while also being unflinching in reminding us of our need to recognize that, sometimes, we must be prepared to admit and accept ends that may not always be what we want or expect.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
