WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Lines of communication. Keeping them open in any situation can prove challenging, especially when it comes to the sharing between two people in the context of a relationship, even one that has been alive and kicking for a decent term. While we would like to believe talking things out would only become easier as time passes, there comes a point where a critical decision is made and those lines of communication can go well beyond words, even as the circumstance surrounding the situation takes a sudden turn. Upon coming home from an evening out, a wife (Betsy Holt) and husband (Tommy Dishman) encounter such an intersection in their marriage and it brings about a sequence of queries that challenges them.
Initially attempting to make small talk and capture her husband’s attention as they prepare for the night in their bedroom, the wife attempts first to discuss the day’s events, randomly bringing up a co-worker’s life. When failing to get response, she makes other more direct efforts to gain his gaze, and even then, any reaction seems forced and uninterested without further prodding. Even as they ultimately connect, a tangible emotional distance separates them. As the wife disengages in mind from reality, and as a storm thunders outside, she makes a choice that alters everything. Making him look at her, she unveils a white lie. But as events unfold from this pivotal moment, the ramifications of one deception exposes more hurtful truth.
Next, my Mind:
Short films have, truly, one brief chance to take a subject, tell a story, and make it engaging enough so as to keep a viewer’s interest and then keep them thinking about it afterwards. With director Hal Carlton-Ford’s newest effort, this is accomplished exactly as it should be, leaving one to ponder what the further consequences are once the primary revelation has been revealed. The use of the chamber drama format only serves to enhance the viewer’s attention to the couple, as it makes the scenes free of any unnecessary distractions. Beautiful mixes in lighting and close camera work also bring out unique perspectives on the highly emotional, yet subtly displayed, states of each character, simply reflecting the intended and intense nuances of their encounter. Viewers warning, there was one quick segment of nudity here, so be aware even with its short duration.
And this would not have been effectively pulled off without the quietly strong performances of the two leads, Betsy Holt and Tommy Dishman. Holt’s wife is a strong, yet tender woman, who you can tell is genuinely concerned not just to get her husband’s attention, but is invested in having their relationship be where she envisions it should be, and illustrates that drive to see it happen. But Holt also emotes well in the aftermath of events, as the lie is unmasked. Likewise, Dishman realistically portrays the husband as the disconnected man he is, either disinterested in working things out, or simply trying to avoid any unpleasant interactions while also aiming to not show a annoyed resolve to end the conversation and its directions. And he as well accurately displays the pain of realization when his wife’s lie comes out. And it’s what is not said that adds the weight here.
A finely crafted, well-filmed, character-driven, single-setting chamber piece, “Allow Me” will surely get the recognition it’s story deserves on the Festival circuit and beyond.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
