The shorts programme of Trials and Tribulations at BFI London Film Festival is the definition of grasping at straws in the world of programming. With absolutely nothing in common, the theme alludes to the fact that bad things happen to the protagonists of these videos… Do they, though? You’ll have to figure that out for yourself, I’m afraid.

In the meantime, let me offer you a small taste of the programme: three reviews of interesting shorts about completely random topics, all with their ups and downs.

Without further ado, here are the reviews of said shorts:

Karavidhe

• Year of production: 2024
• Director: Eoin Doran.
• Writer: Eoin Doran.
• Producer: Hashim Alsaraf.

Synopsis

Two Albanian workers get scammed, but still manage to make the most of their day.

Review

Karavidhe, the Albanian word for crayfish, is a reference to the film’s constant comparison between the animals and the workers that star in the footage. Verbal and visual comparisons are made constantly in a creative story that highlights immigrant’s dire living conditions in the UK.

The film is concise and to the point, never stopping any longer than necessary, but leaving enough space for the audience to breathe. Finding the perfect pace is not an easy feat, yet the short accomplishes it flawlessly.

Overall, Karavidhe has a very interesting storytelling that pairs perfectly with the acting and the soundtrack. Definitely a film worth watching.

Rhoda

• Year of production: 2024
• Director: Alex Lawther.
• Writer: Alex Lawther.
• Producers: Rosie Brear and Andy Brunskill.

Synopsis

A woman who lives alone admits a lodger and strange things begin to happen at her home.

Review

Rhoda is a slow-burn thriller with beautiful cinematography that follows the increasingly paranoid existence of a woman who gets a new lodger in her house. The film is pretty open to interpretation, as it thankfully doesn’t really grab you by the hand and lead you through the story. As such, there are many possible themes and conclusions you can take from it.

The most obvious interpretation is that the protagonist is feeling a reawakening of her true sexual orientation thanks to the open-natured presence of her longer, a woman who has no qualms with being who she is in all aspects of her life. However, there are lots of other possible readings, so do share yours with me!

Overall, Rhoda is an interesting watch with great performances and a very intriguing plot.

In Heat

• Year of production: 2024
• Director: Rory Fleck Byrne.
• Writer: Rory Fleck Byrne.
• Producer: Radha Bhandari.

Synopsis

A man with a sex addiction is pushed into a psychosis by temptation and high temperatures.

Review

In Heat is an exploration of sexuality and societal pressure. Honestly, if one doesn’t read the premise, in heat could just as well be about a man struggling to come to terms with his homosexuality and depression. The only thing that points to a sex addiction is the helpline, a resource that could just as well be another mirage that he is making up in his head as a way to convince himself of not having relationships.

The psychosis muddles the message in general. While it can still be understood, the portrayal of this addiction feels oversimplified and more like a crutch for a story that is not there rather than the main theme. One expects something to actually happen other than that, but the only compelling part of the story is the ending, that could also have two very different meanings. Opposite conclusions, in fact.

Overall, In Heat is well shot and acted, but the text is quite basic and the storytelling too confusing.

Advice to take from these short films:

• There is always an upside to things, only sometimes it’s a bit harder to find.
• An abstract piece is great, as long as you don’t expect your audience to understand a particular, specific message.
• Sometimes one needs to prioritise clarity over beauty.

What’s your take? Did you attend the Trials and Tribulations programme at BFI London Film Festival? Have you watched any of these short films? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, in my contact page or through my Instagram! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀

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