Written and directed by Yocheved Pianko Feinerman, ‘Who in this Mirror’ is a short drama that explores health anxiety and grief. Starring Rivky Breuer and Julie Breuer, the narrative follows the protagonist doctor’s appointment where she fears she is inflicted with breast cancer – the same disease she lost her mother to as a child. The student production, which is set in Israel, delves into trepidation and bereavement. A poignant watch from start-to-finish.
The 4-minute film opens with a woman completing a medical questionnaire about her family medical history. Prior to the health screening, the woman gets lost in her own grief as her mind drifts off into a daydream. A young girl sits at her side completing the same questionnaire – representing her youth when she lost her mother to cancer. A comforting presence from the afterlife surrounds her as she carries forward with the medical examination.
Yocheved Pianko Feinerman has created a poignant tale about a mother/daughter connection beyond the grave. Themes of mental health and loneliness are movingly portrayed by Rivky Breuer – a pleasing performance in spite of the omittance of dialogue. The technicality is of a reasonable standard for a low-budget student production. The conclusion may feel a tad hasty for some, but nonetheless well structured. ‘Who in this Mirror’ is worth the watch.
