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Lifeline

Synopsis

She is a woman in despair who calls a suicide hotline – not for help, but to say goodbye. He is the operator who takes her call, who must do everything he can to keep her on the line. Will he lose her, or will she find the will to live?

Review

5/5
A poignant drama that delves into suicide, grief and mental health.
Written and directed by L. Marcus Williams, ‘Lifeline’ is a short drama film that delves into one woman’s avidity to end her life. The film centres around Iris (Katlin Leslie), a grief-stricken suicidal, and her telephone conversation with Ray (Dan Parilis) – a crisis hotline specialist. The film is constructed in split screen with black and white cinematography throughout. A poignant narrative that is enhanced by the use of long continuous shots. A deeply moving watch.

The 17-minute drama opens at the bathroom mirror, where Iris is fixated on prescription medication. Before the act of ending her life is undertook, she decided to call a suicide prevention hotline to say her final goodbye. During a mournful conversation with Ray, who is new to the job, we learn of her anguish caused by grief – something they both have in common. Iris and Ray find unlikely solace in each other’s history – but will it be enough to turnaround her suicidal tendency? A captivating watch from the offset.

Lifeline short film e1664486362201
L. Marcus Williams has created a riveting film that will strike an emotional chord with the audience. The use of long continuous split-screen cinematography aids the poignant acting delivery – which may other wise be slender. Huge praise to Katlin Leslie and Dan Parilis for their blazing performances – a huge emotional undertaking with gleaming results. An interesting narrative examination was the inclusion of highlighting the choice of suicide as an act of empowerment – a probing idea that many survivors will have resonance with. Cinematography, lighting, sound and post-production are of high cinematic quality. ‘Lifeline’ is an important piece of filmmaking that may bring salvation to the hopeless. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): L. Marcus Williams
Writer(s): L. Marcus Williams
Cast: Dan Parilis, Katlin Leslie
Producer(s): W.M. Lowenhaupt
Director of Photography: Sung Rae Cho
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre:
Subjects: , , ,
Collections: , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2018
Runtime: 17 min

Recommended

4/5

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Cast/Crew

Director(s): L. Marcus Williams
Writer(s): L. Marcus Williams
Cast: Dan Parilis, Katlin Leslie
Producer(s): W.M. Lowenhaupt
Director of Photography: Sung Rae Cho
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre:
Subjects: , , ,
Collections: , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2018
Runtime: 17 min

Recommended

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Lifeline

Synopsis

She is a woman in despair who calls a suicide hotline – not for help, but to say goodbye. He is the operator who takes her call, who must do everything he can to keep her on the line. Will he lose her, or will she find the will to live?

Review

A poignant drama that delves into suicide, grief and mental health.

5/5
Written and directed by L. Marcus Williams, ‘Lifeline’ is a short drama film that delves into one woman’s avidity to end her life. The film centres around Iris (Katlin Leslie), a grief-stricken suicidal, and her telephone conversation with Ray (Dan Parilis) – a crisis hotline specialist. The film is constructed in split screen with black and white cinematography throughout. A poignant narrative that is enhanced by the use of long continuous shots. A deeply moving watch.

The 17-minute drama opens at the bathroom mirror, where Iris is fixated on prescription medication. Before the act of ending her life is undertook, she decided to call a suicide prevention hotline to say her final goodbye. During a mournful conversation with Ray, who is new to the job, we learn of her anguish caused by grief – something they both have in common. Iris and Ray find unlikely solace in each other’s history – but will it be enough to turnaround her suicidal tendency? A captivating watch from the offset.

Lifeline short film e1664486362201
L. Marcus Williams has created a riveting film that will strike an emotional chord with the audience. The use of long continuous split-screen cinematography aids the poignant acting delivery – which may other wise be slender. Huge praise to Katlin Leslie and Dan Parilis for their blazing performances – a huge emotional undertaking with gleaming results. An interesting narrative examination was the inclusion of highlighting the choice of suicide as an act of empowerment – a probing idea that many survivors will have resonance with. Cinematography, lighting, sound and post-production are of high cinematic quality. ‘Lifeline’ is an important piece of filmmaking that may bring salvation to the hopeless. Highly recommended.

Recommended

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