WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Different worlds. While some might first think about this being a concept assigned to, say, science fiction, there remains another primary thought associated with it as well–two separate people’s lives. There are plenty of times where this ISN’T the case, perhaps a large majority might share the same general circumstances guiding them through existence. But, there is something to be said for the differences that make us individually unique, in addition to the similarities, and this might stand out even more when the comparison ends up being amidst kin.
With this in mind, how challenging is it when it’s not only kin, but one you didn’t even know you had? Eric (Elijah Shane Bell) is an inmate serving out a sentence while Ian (Isaac Bell) is a college-attending stand-out. A truth that Ian has now brought to the light–the pair are twin brothers. Upon visiting Eric over the course of several months, the pair find they have at least one immediate commonality–a love for the game of chess. Now, the only question that lingers–will this, and the conversations that ensue, be enough to warrant a genuine, lasting connection?
Next, my Mind:
Dramatically dynamic, quietly then energetically intense, and in the end a beautiful portrait of the uncertainties, subtle and blatant mercurialities, and long overdue triumphs of newfound human connection, this 27-minute Oscar qualifying short film from writer/director Emiliano Bolado, writers/producers Elijah Shane Bell and Isaac Bell, producer Madalyn Horcher, plus executive producers Mark A. Burley and Benny Laurence does total justice to independent cinema’s character and narrative-driven focus while delivering its story that hits the heart and soul through illustrating unexpected brotherhood and its impact on two very different men’s actualities. It is this style of filmmaking that allows the indie community to rule the roost when it comes to sheer accessibility and relatability on a grounded level, which is precisely what this effort brings to bear with stirring, rousing force.
The tale that sees the coming together of twin brothers who weren’t even aware the other existed and how the game of chess prompts them to engage in multiple dialogues that will both upend and motivate each of them to re-assess who they are individually and as blood relations, it is well-paced yet purposefully slow burn execution that fosters the atmosphere of tension and impassioned discourse between the two characters, showcasing the completely alternate places in life they each are coming from, and all the accompanying variations in their demeanors that arise. While not in the exact same context (though in a SENSE, there is some general parallel for this critic), the interactions that occur reminded me of the mostly understated yet so overtly fervent sequence from “Heat” when DeNiro and Pacino share the cafe booth for a chat that holds SO much more between them than would be evident on the surface.
Again, this isn’t a DIRECT comparison, but the mix of earnestness and then more relaxed aura around the brother’s sessions clearly have influence on them, their mindsets, and their perspectives on what is being explored, both during their time together and also in their times apart. The foundational thematic journey encompassing the idea of finding common ground as a beginning to greater things is so well displayed here through the game of chess, which is used both literally and metaphorically as the narrative progresses, very astutely and effectively. The additional notions we are also privy to like the initial awkwardness of first meetings, the dichotomy of freedom’s calm vs. imprisonment’s hardened state of being, refusing to show weakness, learning what we can control vs. what we cannot, how we so abruptly judge others without actually knowing them, and the real world vs. an idealistic vision of it are all tangents that have their place here as well.
The film’s finale is nothing short of credibly apropos and wholeheartedly affecting, and I leave it at that so ideally people can watch the film and know this firsthand. Elijah Shane Bell puts forth a simmering, acutely formidable, captivating performance through his role as Eric, a man who’s made mistakes and it currently in the process of paying for them over several years. Upon receiving an initial correspondence from and then officially meeting the twin brother he never knew he had, his air of seriously cautionary openness and clear un-assuredness about how they are supposed to sincerely connect at this stage of both life and such differing circumstances, the games of chess they play opens the door to possibilities–but how far will he be willing to go. It’s the shifting attitudes and thought processes that Bell brings about and puts out there through this performance that make Eric believable and so filled with raw emotive strength but also vulnerability.
Isaac Bell likewise shines with an initially, and more understandably, muted approach before also showcasing the building degrees of pent-up agitation and his character’s inner battle with wanting to be someone through his performance as Ian, a man who seems to have it all together in the eyes of his incarcerated twin whom he’s arranged to advise about their connection and comes to visit to learn more about him while hoping to establish a new camaraderie. But, as he gets a huge mix of pushback, certain apathy, and sometimes flat out forcible challenge to who he and life is all about from Eric, it will be up to Ian to fight back for everything he cherishes while also growing himself thanks to Eric’s more straightforward nature towards him. Whether Ian can win Eric over becomes the focus, and how this Bell navigates Ian’s equally fluctuating outlooks and emotional volatility with ease and adeptness of delivery that’s just as striking and skillful.
Supporting turns arrive from Robert Melgar, Joe Corso, William Horcher, Andre Ferguson, Calvin Calhoun, Jr., Reilly Burton, Madison Horcher, Joe Lee, Lucio Bolado, Stephanie Rogers, CK Bolado, Michael Walker, Terrence Hardy, Adrian Alvarez, and Ivan C. Chirino. So, in total, “Over The Board” deftly addresses the past being the past, moving forward to what lies ahead is paramount, to never lose hope of a better tomorrow, even when it doesn’t seem evident, because when it comes, how it alters us will be transformative and deep, and that brotherhood is only the start here, as it ends up about what’s even more important to embrace–the bonds of FAMILY.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
