Isabel Zeng’s experimental short film ‘Watchers’ is anything but ordinary. What starts off as a seemingly mundane visit to the optician quickly morphs into a surreal exploration of self-perception and identity. Zeng not only directs but also stars in the film, seamlessly guiding us through this unnerving yet fascinating narrative.
At first, we find ourselves in a an opticians where Zeng’s character undergoes a standard eye examination. Charles Kanwischer plays the optometrist, whose tools become instruments of revelation rather than mere lenses. As Zeng’s character tries on various optical devices, we’re invited into her inner world, where vision extends beyond the physical and into the psychological.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to challenge and provoke. With minimal dialogue, Zeng creates a haunting atmosphere filled with introspection. The rocking back and forth, repeated throughout the film, creates a sense of discomfort, evoking a chilling unease. Then there’s the more mature, almost intimate encounter with one of the objects – a stark contrast that adds layers to the film’s narrative.
Cinematographically, ‘Watchers’ is beautifully captured. The stark lighting and sharp contrasts underscore the film’s themes, enhancing its eerie, melancholic tone. Zeng’s bold storytelling style, paired with a minimalistic approach, invites viewers to question how we see ourselves and challenges the boundaries between perception and reality. It’s edgy, artsy, and will leave you pondering its depths long after you’ve seen it.
