Adam Dillon’s ‘The Vanishing’ is a sci-fi fantasy-themed short that centers on Abigail, played by Jordan Laolagi, who carries a magical artifact in a briefcase while being pursued by Charlie, a supernatural tracker portrayed by Nathan Zachary. Their chase is complicated by a charged connection that adds emotional weight to the stakes. Dillon wastes no time establishing this tension, letting the characters’ unspoken history simmer beneath the surface.
The performances are solid and raw. Abigail’s determination and Charlie’s internal conflict runs throughout. This restraint makes the film’s brief runtime feel layered and full of untold stories, leaving the audience wanting more without feeling shortchanged. Dillon’s direction cuts straight to the heart of the story, stripping away anything unnecessary while keeping the mystery alive.
Cinematically, the film is impressive. Cinematographer Mike Matsui captures the forest with an ethereal quality that perfectly suits the film’s fantasy tone. The visual effects elevate the magical confrontation, although at times they feel a bit overused, pulling attention away from the core emotional thread. Still, the effects are mostly seamless and add excitement to the unfolding supernatural conflict.
The production values are solid throughout, with neat editing and immersive sound design that maintain a steady pace. The actors deliver respectable performances, bringing just enough depth to their characters to make you care, though you’re left wanting to know more about the complexities of their relationship. The ending introduces a new element that deepens the story, while the closing shot is striking and hints at a larger world yet to be explored.
‘The Vanishing’ is an intriguing short that showcases Dillon’s cinematic skill and leaves the door wide open for what might follow next.
