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First, the Recap:
Motivation. Encouragement. Influence. Any of these terms can be applied to a multitude of life’s ever changing components, but often come in the guise of another individual who is willing to step up and challenge us when times are significantly hard and our drive and desire to push on has been diminished. Whether we want to admit it or not, these special souls are a needed piece in our journeys, sometimes helping to make a crucial choice. Despite having athletic ability and desire to succeed, Samantha Higgins (Tyler Kipp) cannot quite seem to put time on her side, often arriving late for basketball practices, then not putting in a full effort out of frustration with the hard-driving Coach Stafford (Ariane M. Reinhart).
Not finding any additional comfort within a somewhat apathetic home life, Samantha stays within her own realm of existence, trying not to let a mounting pileup of pressure and self-doubt cloud her dreams. However, as she continues to push the limits of Coach Stafford’s patience by still continuing to show up late to practices and meetings, only the initial intervention of another, Coach Bohn (Chris Viemeister), keeps her in line. Yet, one last altercation causes a total breakdown, and once Coach Stafford realizes what she needs to do, the new approach with Samantha takes a sudden, unexpected turn.
Thanks to finally coming to terms with everything going on, both women find common ground. Even so, another revelation shows Samantha how genuinely delicate this life really can be, and that nothing can be taken for granted.
Next, my Mind:
Writer/director/producer Maggie Kaszuba’s 20+ minute short film is one that finds its core essence through a story that is realistic, human, filled with both contention and resolution, plus fights to once again prove that one person standing up for another still holds so much power and meaning, while additionally reflecting that both parties involved can end up helping each other see life in better and more positive ways. Fluidly shot and wasting no time getting to its message, the project charges ahead full force, presenting the fact that roads to excuses and frustrations are easy, but those that lead to real answers and better methods to deal with inner turmoil can be an absolute uphill battle. Not willing to compromise on several intense themes, this remains the style of story a tumultuous world needs more of, if anything to glean the hope it provides.
Kipp does a great job in her role as Samantha, portraying a young woman already having to face the escalating pressures of commitments and what goals she has to achieve, yet somehow being in a place where truly getting after those desires in a focused way remains a trial. Watching Kipp navigate through the radically varying feelings she encountering as the character is engaging and moves the heart. The same can be said for Reinhart, whose Coach Stafford may have an energetic and fiery disposition, but beneath it is a heart that very much beats with encouragement and determination for each girl on the team. Willing to be firm when needed with Samantha, there is realization in Stafford’s mind when push comes to shove that a different solution and tactic is required to reach the troubled teen, and Reinhart delivers that performance with class.
The inclusion of Viemeister’s Coach Bohn may have at first seemed unnecessary to the central story and its two primary characters, but this is not at all correct. He plays a key part in specific moments of need Samantha encounters, and is also that calmer voice of reason for her when anger and discontent with Coach Stafford occurs.
In total, “Inspired”, with its themes of forgiveness, hope, and personal redemption, very much touches a chord in our hearts that more and more needs to be plucked. Even when confronting loss, the film’s message to stand up, pay tribute to those we miss, and do justice to their memory remains as needed and relevant as ever before.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
