WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Growing up. It already seems incredibly hard to do at times, but perhaps even moreso when it is being looked at in the context of an ongoing relationship with someone. Times at first can seem so vibrant and alive, as both parties are in that initial place of excitement and development of the possibilities and potential future. But, what happens when lives, commitment, and forward momentum suddenly grind to a halt? Partners George (Timothy J. Cox) and Tom (Joshua Michael Payne) have encountered such an impasse, putting a bleak cloud over their bond.
While George enjoys the upcoming fruits of a successful career in business, paving the road for even further affluence and prosperity, Tom’s engagement with life’s realities as he’s aging seem to have stalled, as his apparent choices to try and maintain a more youthful lifestyle and attitude has begun taking its toll both personally and on his connection with George. Trying desperately to regain Tom’s attention while also allowing him the necessary distance to resolve his own inner turmoil, George arrives home one night to find one act of simple, straightforward kindness and love awaiting him, heralding a new turning point.
Next, my Mind:
While being another short film effort that addresses an overall thematic element story-wise with the characters that isn’t a favorite concept for this reviewer, it also has to at least be pointed out that writer/director/producer/editor Tan See Yun’s 6+ minute silent drama carries its subject with poise and unobtrusive ease, allowing the greater messages about patience, never giving up on those we love, and being willing to not always try to step in and fix things ourselves stand out. The intentional black & white cinematography superbly brings out the achingly melancholy mood and tone the events portrayed invoke, while perhaps providing the muted backdrop which represents the character’s dilemma. With only the images to guide the storyline, it is only some excellently placed, beautifully orchestrated piano accompaniment that ultimately adds a last emotional exclamation point to the finale.
Being just a two-man show, actors Timothy J. Cox and Joshua Michael Payne might have had their work cut out for them with no audible dialogue to lean on for the film’s abbreviated runtime and therefore need for succinct but meaningful execution of the premise was imperative. Well “Bravo, lads, Bravo!” as the two are quite a solid team in this project, giving us George and Tom’s narrative with facial expression and body language in very effectively understated but no less affecting delivery. As the viewers, we’re meant to invest ourselves in these two men’s troubles and feel what they’re experiencing, and the pair pull it off admirably. In total, “Transience” is another well-done offering from the indie film community and still proof-positive that the genre’s striving for illustrating human stories continues on gratefully unabated.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
