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First, the Recap:
Stipulations and ultimatums. Terms we tend to associate with business meetings or political maneuverings, though it can be sometimes evident that even we have the strong capability of attempting to impose our will upon others with dogged impunity. The reaction to being confronted with such dealings can be, well, quite varied and often met with resistance before perhaps begrudgingly reaching agreement. However, what if the initiating party is—your own child?? Jay (Samuel Anderson) and Kat (Jill Winternitz) sit with increasingly, and obvious, anxiousness at a table in a local cafe awaiting the object of their uneasiness–their 9-year old daughter Deb (Izabella Dziewanska). Upon her arrival, what follows becomes an exercise for them all in patience, insistence on accepting presented demands, and the birthing of a new understanding that will impact their family going forward forever. May the strongest wills win!
Next, my Mind:
If this critic hasn’t shared enough about just how utterly brilliant the medium of short film is when placed in the hands of an adept community of filmmakers who have such a focused understanding of what CAN be accomplished through brevity, then let me once MORE share that said notion is magnified for me in a multitude of ways through this absolutely witty, unequivocally charming, disarmingly affecting eight and a half minute effort from writer/director/producer Mike Doxford along with producers Kirsty Malcolm and Jill Winternitz. Folks, it truly doesn’t take a massive amount of runtime to see delivered a story that speaks so beautifully and influentially, not JUST as the sheer entertainment it provides, but also in how effectively it breaches the essence of parenthood and its challenges, the innocence yet maturity of youth, and not taking for granted how ANY decisions we make must take into account others who might, or will, be impacted.
With a core centered on the very fabric of family, what it means, and the changes in its structure that could pose both questions and concerns along with, ideally, newfound anticipation and joy, the narrative moves with total commitment and smartly written, briskly paced purpose in showcasing two parents on the cusp of a next phase in their family dynamic having to “face the music” in the form of their highly intelligent, hilariously serious, and playfully importunity-driven daughter and the list of items that the film’s title wonderfully indicates is her demeanor about them. Poking endearingly jocular fun at any number of random yet fully relevant popular culture-based concepts (ie: “living your best life”, etc.) and statistically-founded knowledge, what ultimately gives the film its potent soul is how it addresses being an only child, the inadequacy parents actually feel sometimes, and then most importantly that unconditional love exists–no matter what.
I will not remotely give away anything more other than to say that precisely how these ideas and so many others are woven together into the grander context of this film is simply magical, and it is the kind of narrative that this critic very much hopes carries its message with compelling force, allows us as people overall to take the ideas conveyed and let’s it all transcend beyond the perceived confines of themes depicted here and find ways to recognize and apply them to our own lives in whatever manner appropriate. I personally felt it really comes down to illustrating, as hinted at above, the weight of choices being made that affect more than JUST ourselves and if we don’t pay heed to this or just dismiss it out of hand, the ramifications, even damage, that could be experienced by those around us could be significant. Not trying to be overdramatic at all, just realistic in view of the real-world, persuasive truth offered. Plus, IN the context of this film, the finale we are awarded with is SO comedically wondrous and apropos for events! Perfect!!
Anderson and Winternitz paint the consummate, highly comedic, yet also undeniably unshakable image of young parents in crisis through their roles as Jay and Kat, a couple apparently on the verge of a real conundrum, initially unsure of how they will handle it, even as they sit pensively at their cafe table waiting for what sounds like proverbial oblivion at the hands of an awaited guest. Once it is revealed that said presence is their cute-as-a-button 9-year old daughter Deb, one would think the encounter would immediately go easier. Instead, it is like a business meeting with the daughter as a demanding employee who’s making a steadfast plea to her bosses in order to bring balance to everything and ensure “mutual” happiness. Yet, even as things unfold, the cornerstone reason for their daughter’s appeals is revealed and it turns the tide of the entire conversation. Throughout, Anderson’s almost “push-over, in his daughter’s pocket” father and Winternitz’s firm, uncompromising, but doting mother combine for excellent performances that shine with impeccable timing and amusing, whimsical flair tempered with emotionally keen moments when called for.
Admittedly, though, the fresh, unexpected (or maybe NOT so unexpected! WHERE do they KEEP finding these AMAZING child actors??? ) scene-stealer here is assuredly Dziewanska through her role as the couple’s 9-year old daughter Deb, who takes command of the situation from the moment she arrives at the table and beyond, a vessel of pure drive, determination, and will that won’t be quelled or controlled, in both the most delightfully hysterical and heartwarmingly sincere manners. Making her well thought out requirements know via a dogged tenacity well above her years, Deb’s angelic face yet unwaveringly decisive voice and logic pour forth with unimpeachable urgency. But, when the real point of her “meeting” comes to light, the beauty and virtue of a child’s perspective arises, ushering in a complete change in the discussion’s direction and a level of understanding to be made manifest to the benefit of everyone. Throughout, Dziewanska mesmerizes you with exquisite comedic timing and unavoidably irresistible charisma. Positively sublime!
Supporting appearances are made by Orly McBain-Groocock, Lisa McBain, Ella Holmes, Tequane Poulsen, and Jeanie the Dog. So, in total, “Non-Negotiable” is a conclusively must-see short film filled with all the wonder of human interaction regardless of whether you’re a child or adult, parent or not, as the life lessons we can take away from this are both humorous and heartening, reminding us of just how fantastical and in many ways fragile reality is, and hence why we should always take the time to adapt the change, love each other, SHOW IT, TALK IT OUT, and find many more ways to laugh along the way.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
