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First, the Recap:
Heritage. Bestowal. Inheritance. When one might consider these terms, it would usher to mind good tidings, the benefits of memories and physical items left to us by dearly departed loved ones whose only desire was to pass along their legacy. Yes, it’s all good things—actually, maybe not in the case of the ever so slightly odd Linda Lethorn (Aundrea Fares). Living a meager existence that involves basic routine, walking her uppity neighbor Purple Green’s (Timothy J. Cox) canines, and talking to her cat Kook, life takes a decidedly awkward and surreal turn upon receiving a package from her recently departed Aunt Lucinda (Susan Kirby). Miscellaneous items aside, one in particular catches her eye–a small music box.
Suddenly re-living what were, in reality, non-fond experiences and verbal berating involuntarily endowed upon her by Lucinda, the circumstances only go from bad to worse as it becomes apparent the music box has more to it than just an eerily nagging tune. Finding herself at the whim and ongoing influence of forces beyond her control, Linda’s behavior and choices become more and more erratic, even as others within a new and bizarre help group she forms leads to a member, Geraldine (Ashley Peoples), being interested in her beyond friendship. As Geraldine attempts to improve Linda’s situation, she remains unaware of the supernatural competition she’s battling for Linda’s affections and the hold it maintains.
Next, my Mind:
Becoming a woman of many parts, writer/director/producer/cinematographer/editor Meg Skaff’s 17-minute short film is very much one huge exercise in unconventional, eccentric, outlandish, strangely engaging, yet at times disturbing storytelling at its indie film best. Utilizing some base elements of everything from comedy, to drama, to paranormal, to just plain weirdness, the effort flows along at a well-paced clip and most effectively chooses, visually and otherwise, to immerse the viewer into the freakish happenings poor Linda gets exposed to, who all the while just wants to get her own life back. With olives and bathtubs in play, plus let’s not forget a Skin Picking Group, this won’t be for everyone and does require an open mind.
Fares definitely deserves some serious recognition here alone for just being able to so realistically and fully embody such an idiosyncratic character like Linda. Her delivery in the role when being the “normal” Linda vs. when she’s under the influence of the box is very well done, and just to pull off radical changes between the two through what were already irregular tendencies in the first place is equally impressive. Peoples plays the soon-to-be longsuffering partner Geraldine and does so with a very subtle and human performance that oozes comedic undertones throughout, even during moments of the character’s genuine concern for Linda’s well-being. Kirby and Cox provide some excellent, albeit brief, supporting turns as Lucinda and one obnoxious neighbor, which ultimately ties this quirky slice of independent cinema together in a manner befitting the genres M.O.–filmmakers with passion expressing what they want, how they want.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
I loved this short. I recently got to see it and enjoyed every minute of it. It was so refreshing watching something completely different. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much at a short film as I did watching this.