This is a short film. Very short. Its even short compared to other short films. So what can we expect to see in just 2 - 3 minutes? Well I'm not going to describe the plot as the previous reviewer has done that. I am also not going to describe the ending because that is a lot of what the film is about. Plus if you go see the film then you will not have long to wait to find out how it ends. Because it is a very short film.
What can be said is that the story is effectively told by just the thoughts of the cast and the use of the camera. Not a word is spoken by either actor. We hear them talking about the situation to themselves in their heads and each gets the situation wrong. Both have fears about the situation, both know the right thing to do, but neither of them does it and then.....
Under Daniel Cormack's direction all the fears, thoughts and tension of the situation are communicated and when the end comes then...well go find out yourself.
Particular points which stand out are the way the camera cuts from one character to the other with perfect timing and doesn't dwell on either one for too long. It can't anyway because there's only three minutes to play with, but its still impressive. Also the scene is well chosen and it really feels like late at night in a deserted part of town (this might be helped by the fact that apparently it was filmed at 2 a.m. as Cormack used equipment hired for another project to cut costs!).
This is the third of Cormack's fictional films which I have seen and some strong themes come through each of them. Firstly there's the excellent camera work both technically and creatively which make the films stand out and communicate the story well. The pace and timing of the direction is also excellent with a great deal of information put across in the short space of time. Each story has twists and turns enough to make them complex pieces of work. This stimulates the viewer to think there is something else about the characters which we are not told. His casting is also excellent. For instance here he uses an actress (Raquel Cassidy) known for her strong feminine roles to play the part of the vulnerable commuter.
Based on the evidence shown in these three shorts Cormack is an emerging talent from whom we should be able to look forward to producing more excellent work. Lets hope that it longer than three minutes next time. Because this is a very short film:)