‘Hike’ is a quiet but potent reminder that sometimes, the best way to manage the noise of life is to pause and listen – especially to the friends who want nothing more than to see you breathe easy again. Written and directed by Sophia Bendaw, the film captures a fleeting but important moment, centered on a girl overwhelmed by life’s pressures and the well-meaning encouragement of a friend who knows just how to cut through the chaos.
The narrative is refreshingly minimal: the girl’s busy day, littered with work and responsibilities, is contrasted with the voice of a friend urging her to take a break, to step away from the constant rush and reconnect with nature. What could have been a clichéd motivational film instead feels intimate and profound, partly due to the vulnerability Bendaw brings to her performance and the understated voice work by Sarah Metwally.
Despite its short runtime – just under a minute – the film does an exceptional job of establishing the emotional weight of its premise. The girl’s cluttered room and chaotic desk serve as metaphors for the mental clutter she’s trying to escape, while the voice of the friend represents the call to reset, to retreat into the simplicity of the wild for a while. The simplicity of the visuals, coupled with polished, low-budget production values, allows the film to remain focused on its message without distraction.
Bendaw’s decision to star in the only onscreen role, appearing briefly at the end as she embarks on the hike, leaves us with a sense of quiet triumph. ‘Hike’ may be simple in structure, but its impact is lasting – encouraging us all to heed the advice of our friends when life becomes too much.
