Short Film Review “Aryan” The ominous, insidious tendrils of hate and a mother’s undying love go head to head
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
First, the Recap:
Bitterness, contempt, revulsion. It is already a sad fact that these elements of feeling do exist in the world, so often aimed at those who are deemed “less” than others, “unworthy” of acknowledgement, or just not even given the chance to BE who they are when outside the perceived “norms”. The undercurrent of this can wind its way through and influence entire mindsets, whole groups of individuals who believe their way, their outlook, their ideas of what’s “pure” is gospel. And the tragedy are those who pay the price for such ignorance.
War has torn through the city, and a single mother named Moriah (Aubrey Hill Kremer) finds herself seated in a detention facility under the harsh and unrelenting scrutiny of a man named Orion (Zane Harvey). His primary concern….to locate Moriah’s two children and bring them in. The reasons for which he does this manifest out of the organization he’s part of….Aryan….who rule America and wish to dispose of anyone they deem unfit. Can a mother’s love conquer abject prejudice and malice?
Next, my Mind:
Societal turmoil, politics of abject prejudice, weight of unjust agendas, and the unquenchable fire that is a parent’s love for their child come crashing together with the force of an atom bomb as manifested through this 16-minute indie short film from writer/director/producer/editor Paul Myzia, producer/executive producer/cinematographer Corey Allen, and executive producer Arianna Myzia. Offering a totally unapologetic, fearless, and, sadly, historically all-too-familiar exploration of one group of people’s shared animosity towards others and the accompanying ideas of what reality should therefore look like in their eyes, the film presents that style of compelling, provocative, and unflinching portrait of perceived “supremacy”, but narrowed down to be conveyed through an encounter between two people in a state of desperate intention, one for the sake of protection, the other for the machinations of malicious initiatives.
This narrative that sees a young mother who has been detained for questioning by a deeply intrusive and merciless entity known only as Aryan as they hunt for something she is guarding with ever fiber of her being is nothing short of persuasively intense in its execution, throwing us as the viewer into this tapestry of anger, fear, and defiance that simply gut-punches you from the start. It’s the initial ominousness of the atmosphere the film’s setting elicits, followed by the subsequent building of hostility and resistance the characters involved are a part of which further lends to this air of absolute unsettledness while making us realize the true depth of a mother’s staunch efforts put forth in order to shield that which means the most to her from falling into the hands of those who have no other motive than to harm. Add to this there’s a previous relational element between the two primary characters in play, which only serves to heighten an already tense ambiance.
Concepts of betrayal, racism, warped mentalities towards what is “ideal” for a country to stand for and be about, the willingness to sacrifice whatever it takes to ensure those we cherish are safe, false “compassion” for the sake of trying to manipulate a situation, other jarringly ugly perspectives on what is being considered “unclean” or “unworthy”, and remaining strong and dissenting against those who would try to make us crumble under pressure are all some of the thematic ventures this film undertakes. Plus, there is a beautifully crafted and directed sequence in the narrative that is told via flashbacks that has SUCH an impactful, wrenching, and emotionally piercing effect on the events unfolding, which is yet another point of shock and tension-inducing genius that gives this film the kind of purposeful quality that it does in the scope of the messages it is putting forth. It all leads to a finale that is both uncomfortably stunning and heartbreakingly stirring all at once. Additionally, Brandon Blanchard’s wonderfully atmospheric score deftly highlights the aforementioned air of dark dealings and overall menace of the film’s circumstances.
For this critic, films with a smaller cast only puts more of a light on those who are present, especially for the main character parts, and with Myzia’s effort, this is very conspicuously the case. Fortunately, this doesn’t prevent them from shining brightly as they should, starting with Kremer as Moriah, a young, now-single mother whose desire to ensure that her two kids will NOT fall into the hands of the powers that be. Arrested and now under excessive questioning by the Aryan organization’s head interrogator, Moriah’s utter disdain for him and whom he represents is only matched by the degree of all-encompassing, unshakable, even snarky stubbornness and dedication she has in refusing to tell where her children are. Then, as the session grows more and more unnerving, a reveal she provides could spell the difference between further suffering or a welcome release. Kremer’s fiery energy, the perfectly exuded amounts of determined, steadfast, emotively potent feelings she expresses throughout the performance just makes everything that Moriah experiences that much more tangibly visceral and acutely credible to witness via excellent acting.
In a similar fashion, Harvey portrays the very essence of that “character you love to hate” through his turn as Orion, a lead interrogator for a diabolical and hate-fueled “government” body that will stop at nothing to get what they want in their bid to create the ever-elusive (and completely misguided) “perfect” world. Filled with a magnitude of discontent and immersive disgust towards Moriah along for not “being in their side” as she “should be”, much less constantly and annoyingly opposing every single effort being put forth to get the information he needs, Orion’s tries everything he can do to push Moriah’s buttons and make her talk. When at the peak of her noncompliant attitude, and his frustrations with it also at a boiling point, she drops a bomb on the situation that causes even him to pause. What it amounts to is what will alter everyone’s viewpoint of the interrogation and a mother’s commitment to her children, and watching Harvey guide his character through the storm is both entertaining in us wishing to SEE Orion fail and disquieting in understanding the representation of animosity he and his “superiors” truly paint a picture of.
Supporting turns arrive from Paul Steiner, Caleb Paschall, Josh Goin, Alexia Valente, Andrew Horton, Brenton Houvener, Jacob Casey, David Richt, Paul Myzia, Bridget Hernandez, Joel Reid Blundell, Kevin Durham, Ottis Palomino, Sultan Odukoya, and Tracy Tabora. So, in total, “Aryan” speaks volumes to the construction of devastatingly extreme racial and ethnic intolerance, the deconstruction of humanity because of it, and the sobering cruelty of fallacious motives and goals while then showcasing the inspirational dominance that is motherhood and the will of a parent to go to whatever lengths are necessary to see their children made better, safe, and secure.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
