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Unlatched

Synopsis

Ayla & Brandon have reached a personal milestone in their relationship. When they go out to celebrate, an encounter with someone from Ayla’s past disrupts their plan for a romantic night out. Determined to keep their spirits up, the young couple heads back to Ayla’s apartment, only to discover walking away from the past isn’t as easy as they thought.

Review

3/5
A mystery short that promises a twist.
Jessica Danov stars as Ayla in Director Emily Schooley’s intense mystery drama ‘Unlatched’. Written by Danov, the short follows the celebratory date of Ayla and Brandon (Alex Yap-Young) – her charming lover. Ayla is startled when they are interrupted by her old fling. They resume the evening at her apartment. After a passionate night, Ayla wakes to discover Brandon’s lifeless bloody body. Ayla is promptly questioned by detectives which leads to an unravelling of her past.

The 12-minute film explores themes of abuse and psychological trauma. The narrative is sensitively written and deserves recognition for how the important topics are played-out. Jessica Danov’s performance as Alyla is praiseworthy – delivering intrigue and emotional fragility to the character. Nicole Fairbairn (Detective Matthews) equally captivates – aiding the mystery and tensity. Alex Yap-Young (Brandon) will delight audience with his charm and allure.

Unlatched Short Film
Cinematography, sound, music and lighting is as expected and provided adequate viewing from start to finish. The real golden nugget is within the twist. An unexpected jolt in the narrative. Emily Schooley (Director) and her cast/crew have constructed a decent short that doesn’t shy away from telling sensitive subject matters. The ending will certainly leave food-for-thought about the tragic circumstances that many victims of abuse face. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Emily Schooley
Writer(s): Jessica Danov
Cast: Adrian Harasowsky, Alex Yap-Young, Bree Ali, Jessica Danov, Nicole Fairbairn
Producer(s):
Director of Photography:
Editor(s):
Animation:
Sound:
Music:
Miscellaneous:

Specifications

Genre: Drama, Mystery
Subjects: Abuse, Crime, Detective, Mental Health, Psychology
Country: Canada
Language: English
Year: 2021
Publication Date:
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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Emily Schooley
Writer(s): Jessica Danov
Cast: Adrian Harasowsky, Alex Yap-Young, Bree Ali, Jessica Danov, Nicole Fairbairn
Producer(s):
Director of Photography:
Editor(s):
Animation:
Sound:
Music:
Miscellaneous:

Specifcations

Genre: Drama, Mystery
Subjects: Abuse, Crime, Detective, Mental Health, Psychology
Country: Canada
Language: English
Year: 2021

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Unlatched

Synopsis

Ayla & Brandon have reached a personal milestone in their relationship. When they go out to celebrate, an encounter with someone from Ayla’s past disrupts their plan for a romantic night out. Determined to keep their spirits up, the young couple heads back to Ayla’s apartment, only to discover walking away from the past isn’t as easy as they thought.

Review

A mystery short that promises a twist.

3/5
Jessica Danov stars as Ayla in Director Emily Schooley’s intense mystery drama ‘Unlatched’. Written by Danov, the short follows the celebratory date of Ayla and Brandon (Alex Yap-Young) – her charming lover. Ayla is startled when they are interrupted by her old fling. They resume the evening at her apartment. After a passionate night, Ayla wakes to discover Brandon’s lifeless bloody body. Ayla is promptly questioned by detectives which leads to an unravelling of her past.

The 12-minute film explores themes of abuse and psychological trauma. The narrative is sensitively written and deserves recognition for how the important topics are played-out. Jessica Danov’s performance as Alyla is praiseworthy – delivering intrigue and emotional fragility to the character. Nicole Fairbairn (Detective Matthews) equally captivates – aiding the mystery and tensity. Alex Yap-Young (Brandon) will delight audience with his charm and allure.

Unlatched Short Film
Cinematography, sound, music and lighting is as expected and provided adequate viewing from start to finish. The real golden nugget is within the twist. An unexpected jolt in the narrative. Emily Schooley (Director) and her cast/crew have constructed a decent short that doesn’t shy away from telling sensitive subject matters. The ending will certainly leave food-for-thought about the tragic circumstances that many victims of abuse face. Highly recommended.

Recommended

5/5

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  • Singapore
  • 2021
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