‘Uncontested’ is a quirky short comedy-drama by Christine Stoddard, who also stars as a newly divorced woman navigating life in a temporary rental. Directed with a minimalist touch, the film focuses on the encounters between the protagonist and her curious neighbor, played by Aaron Gold, who welcomes her to the building.

Though clearly a low-budget production, with sound quality that feels like it was captured by an in-camera microphone, the film’s cinematography by Jacob Maximillian Baron still manages to impress. As she obsessively awaits the arrival of her final divorce papers, she distracts herself with an unusual hobby: crafting paper pulp – an almost symbolic activity that speaks volumes about her need to remake and reshape her life.

Stoddard’s performance is captivating; she brings an eccentric charm to the role, making her character’s frantic excitement about being divorced both funny and a little unsettling. You can’t help but wonder what lies beneath her bubbly exterior – there’s a hint of a backstory that begs to be explored.

Gold’s character, while a bit random at times, provides a contrast to Stoddard’s, with a warm and slightly awkward presence that suggests there’s more to their interactions than meets the eye. The chemistry between the two feels natural, offering moments of humor and unexpected connection.

The film’s narrative has an offbeat rhythm, often skimming the surface of its characters’ lives without diving too deeply. While ‘Uncontested’ might not fully flesh out its intriguing leads, it leaves you with a curiosity about what happens next, and sometimes, that’s enough to leave a respectable impression.