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First, the Recap:
Insufficiency, impairment, and the burden of forced prohibition. This combination of factors unmistakably indicates a reality we’d prefer not to be existing within, more so when it comes to directly how it would impact our lives and those of ones around us we cherish and care for. Yet, when those in authority choose to exert their dominance upon others in a manner that promotes resistance, it becomes necessity to bend the rules to survive, hoping that it will not be revealed to our detriment. What happens, though, when this manifests into an unanticipated actuality? It is a clearly dystopian world that Logan (Ben Richardson) and his hearing deficient mother Mary (Rita Scranton) reside amidst, with water rationing a particularly harsh truth for them and everyone under the government’s thumb. But, Logan has had a solution to overcome this. The only question remains–can his secret remain or will it end up threatening all he loves?
Next, my Mind:
Lessons in choice vs. consequence, self-made solutions vs. supplication, defiance vs. (literal) dehydration, risking it all for the sake of another, and being the embodiment of unwavering familial devotion are what effectively and stirringly form the foundational aspects of this seven and a half minute short film from writer/director Jordan Martin, writers Justin Jayne and Jordan Wilson, writer/producer Ben Richardson, co-producers Caroline Lee and Caedyn Serna, executive producers Arhaan Hirani and Mike McDonald, and associate producer William Alyn Hill. Carrying itself with simplicity as king, the film does a highly credible job at conveying these elements in quickly-paced, well-executed order while not shying away from offering a story that is filled with desperation and determination, hope and heartbreak, and the reminders of what is most important to be embracing even when the circumstances seem nothing but against us.
Here, the narrative takes us into the home of a young man whose world is lovingly taking care of his mother in every way he’s able to provide, including having found a means to take advantage of gathering additional amounts of a precious resource that helps them both keep living–but at what price does this act carry for them in a highly controlled and untrustworthy political system and neighbors covering their own well-being? It’s more than safe to say that there have been films aplenty that choose to place their core emphasis on people living within a society ruled by the elite while those seen as “weaker” or “less” suffer (think larger contemporary Hollywood projects like “The Hunger Games”, “The Giver”, “The Maze Runner”, or “Divergent”) under a totalitarian regime, and we get the impression this is precisely what actuality is being depicted here, and hence at first, one could be prone to cry “lack of originality” or “we’ve seen this SO many times before.”
BUT, instead, indie film ingenuity “personalizes” the experience more by scaling down the scope of what we’re actually privy to, allowing conjecture to reign as to the overall conditions being experienced by those struggling to make it day by day and what brought things to this state, somewhat veiling the grander magnitude of oppression they’re enduring, and singling out a tight wrap on the water supply (JUST due to heat??) as a driving force causing many to face hardship while government agents spend time hunting down anyone that would break the rules. Then, with wonderful cleverness, we begin to understand a dual meaning in the film’s title, as it relates to its namesake in at least two main ways, one elemental, and one very human, the latter of which forms the catalyst for our protagonist to end up confronting the exposure of what he’s been up to, self-preservation also being another key thematic presence. This in turn enforces the notion, like those films mentioned above, of the underlying rebellion that’s brewing amongst those being repressed.
And yet, it also divulges the beauty of what familial AND human relationships SHOULD be like–unconditional, essential, and founded on watching out for each other even when potential peril is present–and how the story portrays this through the emotionally-charged finale makes for a perfectly developed bookend to events and, strangely enough, made this critic want MORE as far as just what would a greater exploration of this specific scenario encompass and reveal about the culture hinted at. Interestingly enough (and this was totally unplanned, mind you!), it was exactly a year ago to the day that I posted my review of Richardson’s short film “A Little Dead” here at OneFilmFan.com and so how apropos today, the eleventh of June 2023, is the day I now post his newest effort accomplished from both behind and in front of the camera! Here, Richardson exudes a more “everyman” demeanor through his lead role as Logan, an individual existing under an unforgiving government system that holds its people down through mandates and forced compliance.
With water being one of the apparent assets in rare or deeply shortened (or IS it, really??) availability, the rationing of it puts a strain upon him and the care he’s so fiercely guards while watching over his deaf mother. Trying to ensure SHE is the first priority while having managed to conceal a secret that could make their lives very hard if discovered, the ensuing situation that comes about thanks to a tell-tale neighbor puts Logan’s convictions to the test….but also ends up showing him that his closely valued love for his mother’s welfare is NOT remotely one-sided. It’s a subtle performance mixed with a sequence of pure intensity that Richardson navigates with poise and subdued then volatile energy. Scranton assuredly provides a believable performance through her role as Mary, Logan’s deaf mother whom we can tell more than desires to dote on and express appreciation for her long-suffering son taking care of her selflessly and at his own risk.
When events unfold that put Logan in danger, the subsequent reaction she has after the turmoil is done speaks volumes to her aforementioned feelings towards him, and Scranton does a really fantastic job at emoting strongly through sign language, body language, and facial expression to showcase just how deep those sentiments the character possesses. Primary supporting roles arrive through Mel Ellis as Inspector Jared Lambert, the agent for the powers in charge sent to investigate rumors of possible watery malfeasance, who immediately establishes himself as a man on a mission who doesn’t see anyone’s plight as an excuse, William Alyn Hill as Agent “Fingers”, a very cold, menacing partner of Lambert who also wastes no time illustrating he truly cares less about anyone else that’s “below” him, taking pleasure in their helplessness, and Tiffany Montgomery as a neighbor of Logan who decides that following that concept of “CYA” is far more important that looking out anyone else, even when she herself isn’t actually “seen” either.
Additional appearances are made by Alyssa Laronde and Mitchell Hill. So, in total, “Leak” is an uncomplicated, quietly persuasive, ultimately moving short film that paints a portrait of endurance, perseverance, anxiety, a birthing of insurgency, the heartfelt bonds of love for those we adore, and demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice our own comfort for the sake of another, with that last one being something THIS modern world could use a lot more of.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
