Written, directed, edited and starred by Shawn Christensen, Curfew (2012) is a beautiful 19-minute short film that is worth watching.
The story revolves around the central character named Richie (Christensen), a suicidal former drug addict with nothing to lose except his life. In the beginning, viewers are shown that he has cut his wrist in a bathtub full of blood. It was at that moment that he gets an unexpected call from his sister Maggie. She requests him to look after her daughter for the evening. The conversation reveals that the connection between brother and sister is broken.
Even though he just tried to cut his wrists in a sad attempt to end his life, he accepts when his sister asks for help and postpones killing himself later.
In the next scene, he meets his young niece Sophia (played by Fatima Ptacek). She hands over a list of things and cash to Richie about what they must do in the evening. From the conversation between the two, we understand that this girl is cold and bossy but at the same time, she has a lot of potential within herself. Richie tries his best to be kind to her.
He tries to build a conversation with Sophia about how dear his sister was to him and how she loved flipbooks. However, Sophia is least interested to listen to his story. In between, Richie makes a brief stop at a drug den where he used to visit. No, he didn’t go there to do drugs but to pick up some flipbooks to amuse both Sofia and Maggie. As Sofia gets to know more about her uncle, she feels connected to him.
Before reaching home, he narrates the story of how he dropped Sophia when she was a baby, most likely while drunk. He safely returns Sophia and we get a glimpse of Maggie’s restraining order against Richie. Richie and his sister have a touching conversation regarding their childhoods and how much Richie admired her as a strong sister.
Next, we see Richie at his home, he undresses, and steps into the bathtub with a razor blade. The phone rings once again. And it’s his sister who asks, tentatively, if he would like to come over to see her and Sophia in a few days. With a slight smile on Richie’s face (realising Maggie forgives and accepts him as her brother), the film ends.
Christensen was able to attract the Academy Awards’ attention by winning Best Live-Action Short Film in 2013. Sophia’s great acting talent is most shown when she portrays her character’s vulnerability – Sophia is, after all, a child seeking affection and safety.
Christensen turned Richie and Sophia’s blossoming friendship into a full film titled ‘Before I Disappear.’
The film has a strong script, and disturbing scenes, and, most importantly, it maintains its sense of humour. The framing of each scene is beyond beautiful as it builds the pace of the story.
In the end, the film leaves you feeling optimistic about the protagonist and hopeful for his future, with the final scene giving you hope for him.
Image source Facebook
