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Can You Help Me?

Synopsis

Two girls, a trunk, a flat, does anyone help them up? What is inside that trunk? A comedy where appearances are deceiving.

Review

4/5
A witty Spanish comedy where perceptions are deceiving.
Directed by Alfredo Montesinos and Victoria Avinyo, from a screenplay by Alfredo Montesinos, ‘Can You Help Me?’ is a short comedy film that follows two women, Elena and Paula, and their pursuit for assistance from passers-by. Starring Patricia Teruel, Victoria Avinyo, Joan Montañana and Alfredo Montesinos, the film is produced in Spain and in the Spanish language (with English subtitles). The witty narrative explores misleading perceptions and criminality.

The 11-minute film opens on the street of an apartment building where a pregnant Elena and accomplice Paula attempt to stop strangers for a helping hand. A large trunk of luggage divides them. Despite initial resistance from the general public, a man with a tower of strength comes to their aid. As the man assists Paula with the trunk up to the third floor, the narrative takes a drastic gear change – as his help becomes increasingly unwanted. Without spoiling the concluding narrative, their act of “vulnerability” quickly wares off and their true intensions begin to unravel.

Can You Help Me?
Under Montesino’s adept direction, the film is well crafted with commendable technicality. The narrative is whimsically comical with standout performances by the entire cast – particularly from Alfredo Montesinos (Pablo). Patricia Teruel and Victoria Avinyo deliver a captivating double act that is highly entertaining to watch. Visually, the film is nicely shot with stellar cinematography by Patricia Fornés (DOP). Sound and post-production are equally well orchestrated. ‘Can You Help Me?’ provides light entertainment through dramatic dialogue which is intensified by the unforeseen narrative climax. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Alfredo Montesinos, Victoria Avinyo
Writer(s): Alfredo Montesinos
Cast: Alfredo Montesinos, Joan Montañana, Patricia Teruel, Victoria Avinyo
Producer(s): Aida Tercero
Director of Photography: Patricia Fornés
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre: ,
Subjects: , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: Spanish
Year: 2021
Runtime: 11 min

Recommended

5/5

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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Alfredo Montesinos, Victoria Avinyo
Writer(s): Alfredo Montesinos
Cast: Alfredo Montesinos, Joan Montañana, Patricia Teruel, Victoria Avinyo
Producer(s): Aida Tercero
Director of Photography: Patricia Fornés
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre: ,
Subjects: , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: Spanish
Year: 2021
Runtime: 11 min

Recommended

4/5

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  • 2022
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A quantum physicist throws a party for future time-travelers; unfortunately for him, they show up….

Can You Help Me?

Synopsis

Two girls, a trunk, a flat, does anyone help them up? What is inside that trunk? A comedy where appearances are deceiving.

Review

A witty Spanish comedy where perceptions are deceiving.

4/5
Directed by Alfredo Montesinos and Victoria Avinyo, from a screenplay by Alfredo Montesinos, ‘Can You Help Me?’ is a short comedy film that follows two women, Elena and Paula, and their pursuit for assistance from passers-by. Starring Patricia Teruel, Victoria Avinyo, Joan Montañana and Alfredo Montesinos, the film is produced in Spain and in the Spanish language (with English subtitles). The witty narrative explores misleading perceptions and criminality.

The 11-minute film opens on the street of an apartment building where a pregnant Elena and accomplice Paula attempt to stop strangers for a helping hand. A large trunk of luggage divides them. Despite initial resistance from the general public, a man with a tower of strength comes to their aid. As the man assists Paula with the trunk up to the third floor, the narrative takes a drastic gear change – as his help becomes increasingly unwanted. Without spoiling the concluding narrative, their act of “vulnerability” quickly wares off and their true intensions begin to unravel.

Can You Help Me?
Under Montesino’s adept direction, the film is well crafted with commendable technicality. The narrative is whimsically comical with standout performances by the entire cast – particularly from Alfredo Montesinos (Pablo). Patricia Teruel and Victoria Avinyo deliver a captivating double act that is highly entertaining to watch. Visually, the film is nicely shot with stellar cinematography by Patricia Fornés (DOP). Sound and post-production are equally well orchestrated. ‘Can You Help Me?’ provides light entertainment through dramatic dialogue which is intensified by the unforeseen narrative climax. Highly recommended.

Recommended

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