WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The heart of deception. The misrepresentation of truth. The consequence of duplicity. How do you say you know someone when the reality of their intentions and associated actions are constantly changing? How can you love someone whose true self you fail to ascertain? In the home of one man named Matt (Valmike Rampersad), these burning questions resonate within all too often when associating with his lover Julie (Gina Bramhill/Antonia Bernath), a beautiful, loving, yet strangely unnerving woman whose control over Matt is all but evident via the frequent, unsettled hesitations involved in their quietly tense interactions each day.
As Julie goes off to work, Matt is visited by his sister Anna (Rebecca Grant) who is also attuned to Matt’s disconcerted demeanor, topped off by the enigmatic padlocked cabinet in the couple’s bathroom, a source of both innate curiosity and undeniable trepidation. Even as Matt attempts to go about business as usual, a frightening encounter with Julie ensues that has him fearing for his very sanity and well-being, as Julie’s entire manner has changed by menacing degrees. But, when the revelation of the cabinet is revealed, it sets in motion a harrowing series of events that may just turn the tables on present circumstances.
Next, my Mind:
Director/co-writer Ben S. Hyland’s 17-minute short film effort is one effectively original, deeply disquieting, absolutely engaging, and totally fulfilling dramatic thriller that will have you hooked and on the edge of your seat during its entire runtime. Its mildly slow burn execution and consistent build-up of tension paired with explosive moments of raw intensity assist in carrying the harrowing narrative along with solid pacing plus multiple reveals that increase the impact of events on the viewer. Additionally, it very much might put many couples on alert, especially the men, when it comes to the next time a heated argument with their significant other makes it feel like they’re dealing with a totally different person! This is a fresh, unique, and outright creepy concept presented extremely well to elicit maximum response from its audience, and Hyland has certainly accomplished this.
Rampersad excels here as Matt, a man immersed in a situation he doesn’t fully comprehend when dealing with someone he loves, yet secretly fears, all brought to an even more extensive state of apprehension when trying to assess the mystery of the locked cabinet. His perpetual, seemingly unending state of internal and external disruption is palpable, and well played with poise and emotional gravitas by Rampersad. The character of Julie warrants double duty in order to take on the multiple facets of an eerily dynamic woman via actresses Bramhill and Bernath, who each very effectively present the ebbs and flows of Julie’s appearance and erratic conduct. Watching the transformation from loving and almost vulnerable to freakishly calculating, suspicious, and all-out threatening is quite a feat, but the duo actresses pull it off with amazing accuracy and emotive excellence.
Supporting turns from Grant as Matt’s supportive and perhaps overly curious sister Anna, along with Martina Laird and John Paul Connolly as the couple’s concerned neighbors Natasha and Peter, all assume their roles with ease and intention as well, playing small but key elements within the grander tale. Overall, “Padlock” is a taut, well-written, smartly delivered indie film effort with one kicker of a finale that puts quite the exclamation point on its haunting premise. Again, lads, be cautious the next time you have that fight with the Mrs., as there just might be more happening than meets the eye. Oh, and be wary of all mysterious padlocked cabinets as well!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
