Directed by Monica Pokorna, based on an original short screenplay by Pokorna and Jerry Trieus, ‘GAP’ follows Vera Novak (Monica Pokorna) – a woman on the brink of turning 30. The narrative (and title) tells the story of the parallel gaps in her life; the space between her two-front-teeth and her desire to have a child. The comedy brilliantly explores aging, motherhood and relationships.
The 14-minute short co-stars Ryan Trieus as Vera’s close confident Jerry. Vera, with no romantic intentions, sets out to find a man (through dating app Tinder) – with the simple goal to find a baby daddy. The film’s strength is story originality and situational comedy. Monica Pokorna’s performance as tragic Vera appears effortless and highly engaging throughout. Vera’s dates; Rick (Maurizio Vitale), Alan (Dominik Jedryas) and Peter (David Lake) deliver captivating moments which helps to maintain entertainment. Vera’s unseen mother provides additional comic relief – albeit at Vera’s expense.
Visually the short rewards viewers with quality cinematography by Marco Van Oel and equally professional sound and music. Monica Pokorna’s debut direction may appear narratively experimental but it’s core themes and subject matter are solid – showcasing the pivotal turning point in late-20s womanhood. We highly recommend this short film.
