WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Ah, the wonder of initial infatuation with another person, especially someone to whom you are attracted. The giddiness, the butterflies, the overt way your entire being reacts at even seeing them, much less entertaining any thoughts of interacting directly! Yet, it can also be an isolated sensation when it isn’t apparent the other person even knows you exist. For high schooler Emily (Crystal Franceschini, voiced by Becca Roth), this somewhat torturous situation is what she finds herself immersed in when it comes to fellow student Milo (Paton Ashbrook). Having found that being alone or attempting to even surmise the male mind and intentions that may or may not have actuality above the waistline, Emily’s borderline obsessive attention goes towards Milo.
Unknowingly on the receiving end of this, Milo’s focus is on current beau, lacrosse player Toby (Paul Fabre), whom Emily realizes stands in the way of her well-intentioned aims to befriend her emotionally fatigue-inducing crush. As she ventures forth to achieve her goal, mostly clandestinely, Emily’s equally well-meaning, genuinely loving, but unaware Dad (Timothy J. Cox) tries his best to be there for her through the ensuing exciting ups and heartbreaking downs his daughter is going through, despite often being more in the way or just being ignorant to the overall situation. Finally taking the biggest leap she has, Emily gets a real world lesson that threatens everything. But, in the end, can this dogged pursuit ultimately end up being a life-altering path?
Next, my Mind:
While this reviewer will freely admit one of the primary themes being presented here is not a personal preference subject, there are much greater overall points being explored that deserve recognition here in writer/director/editor Becca Roth’s 18-minute short film–the true power of perseverance, friendship, and what can come from that combination when it comes to connecting with someone you like. The film is executed in a very unconcealed manner, keeping the emotions high and the narrative flowing in such a way as to illicit the viewer responses that will occur during it, whether that be laughter, anger, or sadness. The cinematography is crisp, and follows Emily’s plight effectively, even as the strains of “Be Be Your Love” by Rachel Yamagata in particular musically emphasizes the mostly images-based, voice-over narrated events.
Franceschini is an absolute gem in this effort, as her portrayal of Emily is just packed with real, intense, genuine emotions whether going all whimsically over-the-top with joy upon a first victory in connecting with Milo or showcasing the soul-crushing heartache that comes with a sense of feelings and intentions being exposed and/or betrayed. Ashbrook does an admirable job here as well, presenting Milo as the unassuming, beautiful, but grounded object of Emily’s affections, giving her that slowly developing realization of Emily’s desire for friendship while being totally unsuspecting about the further notions being directed her way initially. The great character actor Timothy J. Cox infuses yet another role with his excellent blend of realistic delivery and down-to-earth humor as Emily’s Dad, providing him with enough parental fortitude to also show how much concern he has for his little girl while also providing those “unintentionally embarrassing the child with his presence” moments as well.
Add in the supporting turns from Fabre as the hilariously prototypical jock plus Roth’s efforts as Emily’s inner voice, and “Yeah, Love” becomes an exposé on both the hardships and worthwhile dreams that love can drive us to while fitting it all into a format that certainly echoes our modern times.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
