Jacob MacLean’s short drama film about suicide, which immerses the audience in the everyday life of two best friends who seem to have it all, except for the darkest thoughts that plague one of them. The film opens with a montage of joyous moments that capture the unbridled fun and camaraderie between the two, played with authentic rapport and charm by Tyler Dove and Daniel Suarez. The cinematography, using a hand-held style, adds to the immediacy of the experience, as if we are sneaking into their private lives.
Beneath the surface, there is a pervasive sense of despair that one of the characters can’t shake off, even when he’s surrounded by love. An unvarnished depiction of the struggle to vocalize one’s innermost feelings. In spite of the jovial tone, the ending is deeply poignant. This 13-minute drama acts as a salient reminder that we never truly know what others are going through.
MacLean’s film is a powerful statement on the invisibility of depression and the importance of reaching out to those who may be silently suffering. The film’s brevity doesn’t diminish its impact; on the contrary, it makes every moment count. For anyone who has experienced mental health challenges or knows someone who has, this is a must-see film that may provide a window of understanding and empathy.
