Short films are a way for creators to start carving their career paths, and are an art form in their own right. I’m Not Finished is an example of a successful short, exploring tough topics with a sensitive touch.
★★★★★
Their purpose can vary from project to project; it could be that they are intended to be a piece of a larger whole, a ‘test run’ to see if an idea has legs for a larger feature (see Whiplash or Boiling Point’s original shorts). It could be a proof of concept for a director or writer to show that they have what it takes to see an idea through from concept or execution. Or—and these make the most interesting ones—it could be a way to make a point that matters to the creators in a succinct, efficient manner.
This is the case with Rebecca Gallon’s I’m Not Finished. The plot is as follows: When Alex (Matt Hansen) arrives at a friend’s house party, he meets Ellie (Rachel Bardwell), and sparks immediately fly. But when one makes a move and takes things too far, the other must leave and deal with the emotional repercussions.
In terms of setting, there’s no denying this is quite familiar territory for a short film. Thomas Sandler’s cinematography does a lot with colour, capturing the dusky, end-of-the-night feel perfectly. Yet the nature (and often budget) of the medium for these kinds of projects necessitates singular or limited locations that are easily identifiable to an audience, so that the focus can be on the characters and action. However, director Gallon and actor/writer Hansen use the youthful, lively nature of this environment to focus on themes and ideas that speak to a teen and young adult audience.
What really makes this short stand out is what the filmmakers have to say about male sexual harassment and assault. It’s by no means an easy topic to discuss, but the issues are tackled in a nuanced and sympathetic way, shining a light on a complexity of sexuality that is very seldom talked about.
The key to this is to have empathy for the characters. The film doesn’t point fingers or blame its characters—although to be clear, one is definitely in the wrong. Instead, it uses the characters of Alex and Ellie, bolstered by two naturalistic performances by Hansen and Bardwell, to demonstrate the messy, complicated nature of contemporary hookup culture, and how clear lines of communication from all parties are essential.
About the film, Gallon says: “I believe that seeing a man as a victim can help to open up conversations about toxic masculinity and break the many clichés that are still prevalent about men.”
To further this exploration, the filmmakers consulted charity Survivors UK, which supports male victims of sexual violence. Gary Williams, the charity’s CEO, says, it’s “important that men who have been the victims of sexual assault feel seen and understood to enable them to take the first step to seeking the help and support they need. This film will help men start that conversation.”
Hansen’s vulnerable performance takes a ‘laddy’ (but not garish) approach to the film’s events, deconstructing it to show the harm that not opening up and being honest about one’s feelings can do. Again, the cinematography greatly assists this, contrasting lively party scenes with muted blue tones when Alex opens up to his friend Sarah (played by an incredibly caring Nerissa Bradley).
Overall, I’m Not Finished understands how to maximise its 15-minute running time to make a powerful point. Its strong sense of voice permeates throughout its contemporarily relevant plot, starting conversations about a complex subject matter through well-crafted filmmaking.
Words by Ed Foster
I’m Not Finished has won Outstanding Drama at the Surrey Short Film Festival, and been selected for the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival, Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival, Sunday Shorts Film Festival, and Barcelona Indie Film Festival.
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