Directed by Dashamaine Jamal Doctor, from a screenplay by Luc Stephen and Toi Jackson, ‘Circles’ is a short drama film that explores the negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV. The film stars Racquel Mills as Crystal – a HIV group counsellor, and Anthony Howard as Roy – a man living with HIV who attempts to navigate the dating scene. The drama, which focuses on the black community in the United States, is produced with the intension to raise awareness around common misconceptions of HIV. Hypocrisy acts as the central theme of the narrative.
The 20-minute short opens with Crystal conducting a group session with people living with HIV. Throughout the introduction, we learn of the misinformed stigmas which are subsequently rectified by the facts. The narrative shifts to Roy as he prepares for a first date with Crystal. Unaware of each other’s personal life, Roy intends to disclose his HIV status during the romantic dinner date – which leads to a startling twist to the narrative.
Stephen and Jackson have created a riveting narrative that will bring empathy, compassion and knowledge to the audience. Under Dashamaine Jamal Doctor’s direction, the film is well casted with agreeable performances throughout. Cinematography, sound and post-production are delivered to a high-quality standard. Despite its salient themes and good intensions, the narrative finds itself becoming a tad cliché and predicable – particularly during the conclusion (which viewers might fight rather hurried). Regardless of any slight flaws, ‘Circles’ deserves attention and appreciation.
