Directed by Ariel Danziger, from a script by Ryan Marth, ‘Through the Stars’ is a short sci-fi drama that delves into a teenage girl’s emotional despair after the mysterious disappearance of her father. Mya Hudson leads the cast as Casey, with Jack Welshons as Max. Additional cast include; Joy Renee LeBlanc, Jeff Dernlan and Thomas Essig. The film explores themes of loss, family, isolation and friendship. Despite the film’s heart wrenching narrative, with drips of trepidation, the short rewards viewers with its unyielding theme of hope. A riveting watch from start-to-finish.
The 16-minute film opens with Casey’s spine-chilling nightmare as she runs frantically through a moon-lit forest. As Casey wakes, she eavesdrops into her step-fathers ill-natured conversation with her mother. Since her real father’s disappearance, home-life has become intolerable – due to her mother’s remarriage and the hostile relationship with her step-father. The audience can expect a dramatic conclusion with a science fiction twist.
Danziger and Marth have crafted a captivating tale that unravels adolescent emotions within loss, as well as the exploration of step-parenthood and the perplexity it has on a child. Mya Hudson delivers a noteworthy performance throughout – a fresh star in the making. Cinematography, lighting and sound are of an exception standard that will keep viewers engaged and on tenterhooks. Highly recommended.
