WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A desire to please. We’ve all experienced it, we’ve all pursued it, we’ve all had our proverbial wins and losses in the endeavor to achieve and impress. So much of this current (or perhaps it’s ALWAYS been this way, right??) time we live in thrives on tangibly evident results as the gauge of success in anything we put our efforts into. This is especially true of our work, our careers, and that statistically-driven atmosphere it elicits. While high performance and pleasing others has a certain relevant place, what happens when it’s one of those downturns that we find ourselves facing instead? For university professor Justin (Ben Richardson), his satisfaction is found in the film class he teaches. But, when it comes to a “Bring Your Kid To Work Day” where he chooses to have his young niece Sammy (Marlee Burns) tag along with him, will it become a lesson in his competence, her disappointment, or something else entirely?
Next, my Mind:
With a highly necessary moral we can undeniably relate to paired with completely engaging, delightful, heartwarming charm, this newest short film from writer/director Jordan Wilson, writer/producer Ben Richardson, plus associate producers Cara Adney and Levi Valdois soars to the skies with something VERY much lacking (or so it FEELS like, anyway) in the contemporary cinematic world overall–a family-friendly dramedy that gladdens the soul and delivers a positive, applicable message that leaves you pondering just HOW relevant it is to your own life’s journey. That’s how this critic feels at least, and enjoys once more the adeptness of indie filmmakers and their artistic ability to drive home a story’s points in such abbreviated format. But, as always when this is successfully accomplished, it simply speaks to the beauty of creativeness, genuine PASSION for the ART of filmmaking, and aiming to stand out that the independent community musters with such consistency. No exceptions here in this project’s 12-minute runtime.
Taking a concept we’ve all heard of and perhaps even been a PART of at some point in our lives, the narrative focusing on a college professor’s goal to dazzle his niece with his film class know-how that takes what appears to be a (quietly and innocently conveyed) trip south intelligently draws us in with a mix of whimsey and subtlety that deftly aids in leading us in one direction but then surprises us with a wonderfully orchestrated pivot in events. That is what lends the aura of aforementioned delight while also exuding a perfectly feasible and compelling study in just how often children are underestimated in one of the key elements we encounter in any given circumstance–perspective. That is the true core of the film’s premise and thematic forays, and I just adored how accessibly and effortlessly it was all executed, allowing us as the viewer to relax and take it all in without having to get too analytical or even be bogged down by too much dialogue or forced emotional content.
Rather, the portrait of childhood innocence and smarts combined with, perhaps, taking nicely placed, pleasantly comedic jabs at just how insecure adults can be when trying to BE something for someone else, much less a kid, wanting to be seen as a “hero”, and thinking they’ve just fallen WAY short based on what THEY are observing. But, as hinted at earlier, the manner in which the finale comes about is magical and unequivocally uplifting, with perceived apathy and/or letdown succeeded by some good ole fashioned happiness that puts the ideal exclamation point on the situation at hand and WILL make you smile and irrefutably feel great. Lessons in assumptions, being too quick to judge the proverbial book by its cover, and having to become more attuned to see things through another’s point of view all get their screen time. The music score adds to the air of verity the narrative flourishes on, a mixing of piano and orchestral parts to create the apropos ambiance suiting the imagery and occurrences we witness.
As has been the case multiple times now, for this critic in any case, Richardson once more brings to bear that fully credible, utterly grounded “everyman” approach the the screen which skillfully befits the character he embodies here of Justin, a humble film class professor at a small university who finds himself in need of a work companion for the school’s “Bring Your Kid To Work” day. Finding his answer via his niece, he proudly goes about his normal daytime tasks with her present, trying his level best to include her in it all. When it seems like her awareness and even remote regard for his chosen work has come up wanting, he battles to believe in himself and whether he’s as great as he thinks he is. It’s the experience and subsequent enlightenment that follows which brings him to a wholly different standpoint on things, and I love how Richardson takes the character through it with ease and understated proficiency that makes Justin someone we can totally commiserate with.
Let’s not at all take a single thing away from Burns here, who is an indisputable bundle of sweet, enchanting joy through her role as Sammy, Justin’s niece who’s more than elated when he asks her to accompany him to his work. Once there, however, she puts across a demeanor he wasn’t expecting while basically just “going with the flow” of what he has her do, and it immediately causes Justin over the course of the day to question everything he’s doing, believing she’s disengaged from it all. If she actually IS, though, could be a different tale, and how magnificently Burns guides her character through these initially disinterested moments is endearing and heartbreaking but then compensated for with an unanticipated exuberance during the film’s third act that is so impactful in its delivery and intended message. I continue to admire child actors, even when on the surface the performance might seem basic and straightforward, because they still radiate that adorable personality and virtue, which Burns does effectively and in spades to superb effect.
Primary supporting turns arrive through Karen Garlitz as Justin’s sister/Sammy’s mother Jessica who allows Sammy to go with her Uncle and gets a fantastical tale upon their return, plus Jamie Brewster and Veronique Scurry play Rita and Chloe, fellow professor’s at Justin’s university who set off his seeking of someone to bring for the special day. Additional appearances are made by Nick Hodge, Rachel Curl, Anders Ahlander, Abi Clarke, Jordin Gross, Rachel Lobaugh, Sam McClure, Parker Riggs, and Tanner Stillman. So, in total, “Niece Day” is a purposefully quaint, winning, thoroughly enjoyable breath of fresh air that carries an essential substance that this world could use more of. Being willing to stop and consider another’s viewpoint before we might jump to conclusions based on only what we believe we’re seeing is integral, more so with children, as their ability to “mask” how they actually see things can be a beautiful blessing in disguise that, when revealed, just makes everything, and everyone, around them the better for it.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
