Clare Sturges’ short drama film ‘The Arborist’ is a touching and poignant exploration of grief. The film stars Catrin Stewart and Rhodri Meilir as Laura and Joe, two siblings whose grief over the death of their sister is reawakened when their late sister’s memorial tree begins to decay.
The film is set in Wales and the cinematography by Chris Jacobi is delicate and stunning, adding to the sombre and poetic tone of the piece. The dialogue is limited, allowing the actors’ performances to truly shine. Stewart and Meilir deliver incredible performances, conveying the complexity of their characters’ grief, guilt, and estrangement with subtlety and depth.
One of the most impressive aspects of ‘The Arborist’ is the way it balances a sense of universality with a strong sense of place. While the film’s themes of loss, family, and siblinghood are universal, the setting in Wales is an integral part of the story. The film captures the beauty and solemnity of the Welsh landscape and the traditions surrounding death and mourning in Welsh culture.
Overall, the drama is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted short film. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of film to evoke powerful emotions. Sturges’ direction, coupled with outstanding performances by Stewart and Meilir, results in a film that lingers in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.
