Directed by Michael P. Fogerty, from a screenplay by Fogerty & Leslie Daniels, ‘a Short Story about Kore’ is a short drama film that explores one woman’s battle with alcoholism. Z. DeWald stars as Kore – a depressed heavy drinker at the pits of her life. Diana Stoneberg co-stars as Rhea – a recovering alcoholic who attempts to guide Kore into a state of convalescence. The film powerfully showcases themes of addiction, mental health, female empowerment and friendship.
The 17-minute film opens, unconventionally, with the cast/crew credits. A slow-motion Kore, in physical agony from an oven burn, acts as a background to the titles – an impressive opening that is certain to hook the viewer. As Kore sleeps off another hangover she is visited by Rhea, a woman with 32-years of sobriety. Kore opens up to Rhea about her broken childhood and the instigation that sparked her addiction. Rhea speaks of her own battle, aiding a bond between them. Rhea, without coercion but with empathy and kindship, tries to encourage Kore to seek help through traditional AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings. Their conversation is intercut with scenes of her physical and mental struggles. The film showcases a metaphorical scene of Kore crawling in a woodland following a red thread. A poignant use of poetic story-telling to highlight the possibility of returning to normality, no matter how bad things might get.
Michael P. Fogerty and Leslie Daniels should be commended for their outstanding creation. The short draws from Fogerty’s own personal struggles with addiction. High praise to Z. DeWald, her convincing performance as Kore will captivate and engage viewers from start to finish. Diana Stoneberg’s portrayal as Rhea is equally respectable. The film features improvised dialect throughout, in an effort to build report between the two principal characters. Cinematography (Darian Harmon) is of an exceptional standard – wrapped up with terrific editing, sound, music and lighting. This short is part of an episodic trilogy. Highly recommended.
