Breakups are messy, but ‘Coloured Emotions’ takes that notion and spins it into something electric. Directed by Victor Oly and written by Ben Milligan, this comedic drama short film thrives on erratic energy, sharp dialogue, and an unsettling yet captivating performance from Jack Copland as Mitchell.
The film wastes no time pulling us in. Mitchell and Faye (Sasha Luna) meet at a bar – a seemingly casual reunion, but the tension is thick. Faye just wants to collect her belongings, but Mitchell is on a different wavelength entirely. Copland’s offbeat, unhinged performance is immediately gripping, a manic cocktail of charm and chaos. He’s a live wire, unpredictable and desperate to hold onto something that’s already gone.
The film moves from dark comedy – Mitchell’s bizarre antics and refusal to accept reality – to something deeply painful. The revelation that he hasn’t slept since the breakup a year ago lands hard, reframing his erratic behavior from amusing to tragic. The shift is seamless, thanks to Milligan’s sharp script and Tobias Scavenius’ cinematography, which subtly mirrors the emotional descent.
Luna’s Faye is the necessary counterbalance. She’s grounded, exhausted, and plays her part with quiet strength. When the power dynamic flips mid-film, it’s a brilliant shift – what seemed like Mitchell’s chaotic playground suddenly becomes a raw, emotional confrontation.
The technical aspects are top-tier: crisp editing, quality sound design, and an aesthetic that feels polished yet intimate. ‘Coloured Emotions’ is a beautifully crafted descent into the wreckage of love and loss. It’s funny, devastating, and, at times, deeply uncomfortable. And that’s what makes it unforgettable. Highly recommended.
