Directed by Pat Bradley, ‘Like a PowerPoint’ is far from a passive viewing experience. This drama short, written, produced and starring Melanie Gretchen (in her debut scribe), smuggles the tension of a rom-com and the introspection of a relationship autopsy. It’s taut, cheeky, and disarmingly sincere.
At the center of this two-hander is Emma (played by Gretchen herself), who stumbles upon a ring after snooping in her boyfriend Tom’s (Stephen Sherman) parcel. This discovery catapults Emma into a vortex of self-reflection, leading to a pivotal phone conversation with Frank (Alex Alessi) that feels less like a casual chat and more like emotional trench warfare. Is Frank her piece on the side, her old flame, or merely a sounding board for her doubts? The film cleverly sidesteps easy answers, forcing viewers to linger in Emma’s conflicted headspace.
Gretchen’s screenplay mines humor from awkwardness and insight from silences. The comedic beats punctuate the drama like well-placed punctuation marks, ensuring the narrative never drowns in its own angst. Meanwhile, Pat Bradley’s direction keeps the story intimate but never claustrophobic.
Cinematographer Chris Escandon deserves a nod for lending the film a polished look, crafting visuals that feel crisp but not sterile. Gretchen owns every frame with screen presence and timing that belie her dual role as lead actor and writer.
‘Like a PowerPoint’ is a romantic yet unsentimental exploration of a woman grappling with her desires. With its respectable production values and captivating performances, this is the kind of writing debut that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s sharp, short, and smart.
