Danielle Baynes’ short film explores the psychological ambiance of a social media-influenced environment that young people face today. Maddie is the primary subject of Baynes’ story. Maddie is confronted with the challenges of several compulsions over social media, including bullying and societal expectations based on looks and appearance.
The cinematography work, skillfully by Christopher Miles, is outstanding, using a face close-up system to underline the strength and persistence of the emotional toll that Maddie is facing. Rachel Pengilly delivers a high-quality performance through the gamut of emotions she experiences, truly bringing the film to life.
The world-building, revealing that science fiction is slightly at play, gives the narrative an extra touch that serves to perfectly accompany the sufferings of character. It creates a film that skillfully blends reality with the possibilities which can happen and need to be acknowledged in this digital age-driven social setup.
Overall, Baynes’ short film provides viewers a compelling, direct reflection of the stressful influence of social media in modern life. The film’s quality elements, Rachel Pengilly, Christopher Miles, and sound design along with the script, come together to capture viewers’ attention entirely for 11 minutes. This short will resonate with anyone needing an affirmation of the over-powering reach of social media and will call everyone to limit its terrible after-effects and hindrances it generates, and remind the digital world of the humanity beyond screens.
