• Release year: 2025
• Director: Thomas Davisson.
• Producer: Thomas Davisson.
• Screenplay by: Thomas Davisson.
• Cinematography by: Noah Lamport.
• Music by: Dennis Holt.

Shotgun Commentary: bite-sized talent display.

Review

On the Nose arrived in my inbox a few months ago and, as luck would have it, was completely buried under other emails until today, when it finally saw the light. And I’m so glad it did. It is not often that I dedicate a complete post to a short film, especially when they are under ten minutes long, but there is no doubt in my mind that this work deserved it.

The short follows a nameless couple who engage in one of the most common conversations all couples have: the outfit check. Asking your partner if your outfit looks good before you go out, especially when you are about to meet some friends, is almost as natural as checking yourself in the elevator mirror. It is probably one of the few conversations that don’t answer to gender, class, or creed. It simply is, no matter your background or context. Furthermore, it is a conversation that, despite its apparent simplicity, can tell A LOT about a relationship and its future.

As such, it is a fascinating subject to pick for a short film. One that provides the opportunity to present a big topic in a short span of time. The brilliance choosing the topic can also be found in its development. Anyone who has been reading this blog for a while knows this critic is an avid fan of a no-nonsense approach, and nothing says straightforward like a filmmaker capable of creating a thought-provoking story in four and half minutes.

Now, the best way to describe the story is fun. Exaggerated and dramatic for the sake of the plot? Of course. But mostly fun. The outfit conversation has often been depicted as insecure women “annoying” simple men who are incapable of giving an answer because “dudes are not into fashion”. Seeing it portrayed with the same genders but a completely different approach is refreshing, especially during the climax of the short. Men have eyes, same as women, and yes, they can tell if an outfit is hideous or not. Newsflash: everyone can have an opinion on fashion; you don’t need a master’s in VOGUE.

In this short film, you meet a boyfriend (Mustapha J. Slack) who is understanding and polite. The problem is, he is too polite. He does “the boyfriend thing to do”, which is to offer an honest-ish opinion of the outfit while being mindful of his girlfriend’s feelings. Or rather, what he predicts his girlfriend’s feelings will be. This is a very common mistake that partners do when there is not enough communication in a relationship. Sometimes one just wants a compliment, but honesty is usually what is expected from the question “How’s my outfit?”

The girlfriend (Alexis Presley), done with the politeness policy, takes radical action to force the truth out of her boyfriend, leading to a rant so satisfying it feels like taking a very deep breath after spending hours in an oppressive environment. This perfectly crafted dialogue might not have been as effective were it not for Slack and Presley’s performances. Both professionals demonstrate great promise, so I for one am looking forward to seeing more of their work.

All in all, On the Nose is a truly fantastic short film that packs a big punch in a small container. If you ever happen to come across it, do not hesitate to give it a watch; it is pure talent.

Advice to take from this movie:

• If your partner asks you to give your opinion of an outfit they are wearing, be brutally honest. Better to tell the truth than to have them blame you for looking ridiculous.
• It is never a good idea to exit a car in the middle of the road.
• A tantrum is a gamble, but sometimes it is the only way to snap people out of it.

What’s your take? Have you watched On the Nose? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀