WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Reflection. Is it not something we all do? Looking back over events in life, realizing perhaps the mistakes we made, wishing they could be changed, or even never made at all. We see the things that remind us of the past, and how those decisions molded our lives. For an elderly gentleman named Joe (Liam Burke), daily life consists of routine–walking to the store to get groceries, slowly making his way through the streets, often being assisted in crossing or in picking up a dropped bag by random strangers as he shuffles home, walking by an old church at which he pauses and makes the sign of the cross. This is Joe’s life. Others have their lives as well.
Take a Garda Detective (Niall Dempsey), whose demeanor would potentially suggest a man torn between keeping the law and crossing it should the need arise. The woman he picks up would initially indicate the latter. Or perhaps the focus is on said young woman,Tanya (Roisin O’Donovan), whose selfless compassion and charitable spirit are being tested by struggles with exams and an unexpected eviction notice. Tanya makes her way to Joe’s apartment, as we find she has been acting as a friend and financial support for Joe, keeping his loneliness in check, as all other relations have abandoned him as his health deteriorates. But as the two converse, there is a glimpse into a younger Joe’s life, while Tanya’s own current motives may not be so clear cut. And then there’s the detective.
Next, my Mind:
An enigmatic summary, hinting at the concept that “things are not always what they appear”, truly is the most effective way to summarize Irish indie film writer/director Charlo Johnson’s newest short film effort, “Positive Discrimination”. Throwing the entire idea of “looking beyond the surface” to the wolves, this edgy drama’s narrative pulls the viewer’s thoughts and story ideas in one direction, but then turns it all on its head and delivers a potent finale that will leave you in wonder, even after its been revealed what the true nature of things is in each main character’s life. And this is so well executed and absorbing to watch, thanks to Johnson’s deft directing style and writing.
Burke absolutely shines here as Joe, completely and utterly casting any indication of what his younger life was like away until the prime moment in the story when it will have its highest impact on the viewer. Likewise, the same effect is utilized with O’Donovan’s angelic Tanya and Dempsey’s street-wise and jaded Garda Detective. It soon becomes evident we’re being presented with a modern morality play, a deep abiding battle within each character’s conscious that threatens to expose the true nature of motives behind their present actions, whether high-minded and noble, or simply a thin veneer in an attempt to escape who they really are. In total, “Positive Discrimination” is a solid piece of indie filmmaking with its nuanced performances, character-based storytelling, and cautionary tale delivery.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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