In the dimly lit workshop of a bustling party store, the stage is set for Christopher A. Brown’s emotionally-heavy short drama, ‘Alejandro!’ Here, amidst the vibrant chaos of papier-mâché and paint, we meet the shop-owner (Chris Sirois), whose skilled hands fashion a piñata horse – ready to be put on display for sale.
As the days stretch into eternity, the camera fixates on Alejandro – forgotten and forsaken. There’s a palpable sense of desolation that hangs heavy in the air, a silent lament for the colorful creature left to languish in obscurity. Until, at long last, fate intervenes in the form of a father (Carlos Moreno Jr), seeking the perfect centerpiece for his daughter’s (Siiana Kuzmitska) birthday celebration. In that moment of rediscovery, there’s a glimmer of hope, a fleeting reprieve from the solitude. But as the festivities unfold, the true purpose of Alejandro is revealed.
Jordan Schulz’s cinematography captures the essence of solitude and longing. The music and sound design serve as a haunting refrain, underscoring Alejandro’s silent plea for understanding. The film exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, delving deep into the essence of heartbreak with unwavering precision and artistry, creating a resonant narrative that transcends mere symbolism.
‘Alejandro’ is a meditation on the transient nature of creation and the inevitability of loss. With its understated storytelling and haunting imagery, this short leaves a heart-breaking mark on the soul, inviting us to contemplate the delicate balance between life and the inevitable march of time.
