NO TRAILER AVAILABLE
First, the Recap:
The burden of time. It flies by with an unchecked, unhindered velocity that so often becomes a reminder of exactly how finite our time here on this Earth really is. In light of this, the moments we spend with those closest to us should be treasured to the greatest degree, even when the relationships may have initially been strained. For one son (Isaiah Stratton), this is one such time, though perhaps in his own mind he considers it too late in occurring as he quietly enters the bedroom where his father (Wynn Reichert) now lays, sick and on the verge.
Without a word spoken for minutes, this only son sits with intent and focused emotion on the man who helped raise him, while at the same time going through a small stack of old photographs that begin to outline the journey of a parent with their child, and which becomes a potent, highly stirring and dramatic series of significant reminders of one indisputable fact–a father’s undying love and commitment to his son, and a son’s absence for far too long in return. The acknowledgement of this truancy finally emerges, and ushers in a new understanding and attitude of thankfulness, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
Next, my Mind:
Anyone out there who still tries to cling to any belief that a world of genuine sentiment and sincere pathos cannot be communicated in only three minutes certainly needs to take in writer/director/producer/DP/editor D. Erik Parks’ newest short film effort and honestly have their mind changed. Filled with copious amounts of a myriad of wholehearted, profound, and intensely poignant facets found in the dynamics between father and son, the film’s almost total lack of dialogue is more than made up for in deeply affecting and simply executed visual cues that say everything that’s needed as we watch the healing of a broken connection. It’s real, raw, and decidedly human, which as this reviewer mentions frequently, is the beauty of indie film.
Stratton’s character of the son is played with such an understated yet truly powerful purpose by the actor, who encompasses the various actions, facial expressions, and body language of a man coming to the sudden realization that his neglect of being there for a parent, yes, has been felt, but forgiven, while then experiencing the even more affecting actuality that despite this, his father had never, ever given up on him. Reichert likewise plays the father so well, illustrating the image of a man who’s coming to the end of his lifetime due to illness, but honestly had no desire to pass anytime soon if it meant not having the opportunity presented to reconcile with his beloved, now adult child. Just the sadness in his eyes tempered with the joy of watching this happen is just so tangible, and makes for a great piece of dramatic impact.
In total, “A Homecoming” is one of those films that needed to be made, needs to be seen, and needs to be taken seriously by once again being willing to engage with the narrative as it unfolds with abbreviated but lasting meaning, while at its core making us all look at our own relationships, making it a new point and/or resolution to ensure they’re all appreciated and valued the way they are intended to be.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
