WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The chance to right a wrong. Or, perhaps, a multitude of trespasses, even when they are entirely unintentional. When the weight of having to provide for ones family becomes a sole, absolute focus, what happens if that sentiment and desire goes unsupported? It is the industrial area of 1960’s Birmingham, and one man, Alex (Peter Warnock), struggles to do exactly this during lean times while striving to maintain some modicum of success with his dream–owning a diner. Hardly able to pay his one primary employee, a waitress named Annie (Abigail Parmenter), much less make ends meet at home, the unstable state of affairs soon causes heated argument with his long-suffering wife, Gail (Jemma Lewis).
Pleading his case and insisting that things will turn for the good, home life continues to deteriorate, much to Alex’s growing frustration and Gail’s growing impatience with his lack of tangible relief being provided to their situation. With the additional strain being placed on the couple’s two daughters, Victoria (Evelyn Lockley) and Susie (Lois Olivia Marshall), Gail makes a choice that shatters Alex’s world further. Unable to recognize any way to immediately regain Gail’s faith in him and knowing how much the situation is hurting his kids, Alex makes one last play for their favor, despite protestations of Gail’s mother, Cynthia (Teresa Critchley). When this fails, events take a sudden, unexpected, and shocking turn.
Next, my Mind:
A fast-paced but deeply affecting dramatic atmosphere coupled with a decidedly jarring yet searingly effective finale is what viewers are presented with in this 13-minute short film effort from writer/director/producer Serena Chloe Gardner. Tackling the hard realities of the pressure on one man to produce what is needed to sustain his family while he likewise tries to pursue his own dreams, maintain a marriage, be a father to his kids, and hence find complete life fulfillment, it is a biting narrative that doesn’t shy away from its realism and potently delivered, intensity-laden dialogue to illustrate desperation and subsequent ramifications it entails. Smoothly shot cinematography follows the action with precision, the imagery assisting in the build-up to a punch-in-the-gut ending sure to stick with you!
Warnock is excellent in his portrayal of Alex, a man on the edge yet so acutely passionate about imploring his beloved family that he can improve their situation and bring things back around. The slowly burning ire in him as well is enacted with purpose by Warnock, leading to an explosive conclusion. Lewis as Gail is also well played, conveying a woman who we know loves her husband, yet has grown so inordinately weary of his promises to better their circumstances that a breaking point is reached. Lewis very much infuses Gail with the disheartened, aggravated demeanor the character is experiencing to great effect. Watching the two interact in these tense moments is a treat, as the actors play off each other very, very solidly and believably. You may find yourself first supporting one character, then the other, as they navigate the stormy seas.
In total, “Lady In The Park” is exceptionally executed human drama with an edgy layer that only adds the exclamation point to one fiery, earnestly performed independent film effort that showcases yet more from an ever-increasing well of filmmaking talent we can only hope we get to see blossom even further.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
Great Review. It was a Pleasure to Work on it.