Directed by Maria Sofia Palmieri, Karen Klami and Ken Holmes, ‘I Love You, Maria’ is a short drama film that explores a relationship in content that is jolted by an unexpected pregnancy. Maria Sofia Palmieri stars as Sofia with Ken Holmes as Daniel. The entire film is shot using a smartphone and consists of several video-message interactions between the couple. A low budget short that explores love, ambition, fear, religion, disability and parenthood.
The 32-minute film opens with a video message from Sofia – a photographer currently working on Paris Fashion Week. Sofia is excited to tell Daniel that she is pregnant. Despite her joy, Sofia also reveals that the baby is at high risk of developing down syndrome – with an abortion off the cards due to her Catholic upbringing. In response, the film introduces us to Daniel – also a photographer working on the US Open. Daniel conveys his dismay, fearing the child will hinder their prosperous careers. His fear is inflicted by the career sacrifice his own parents made. Daniel gives Sofia an ultimatum – him or the baby.
Maria Sofia Palmieri and Ken Holmes delivery adequate performances throughout, albeit at a slow pace – which viewers might find disengaging. The production value, due to smartphone cinematography, limits a professional finish. Having said that, the narrative is strong and emotional – the audience will feel like a fly on the wall to a deeply personal conversation. Incidental music is overly dramatic, which is used with symbolic transitional footage. The film makes use of long continuous shots – this alone deserves appreciation. ‘I Love You, Maria’ is a poignant film that will resonate with many.
