Invincible
Canada
30 Minutes

This French-Canadian true story makes no secret of it being anything but an uplifting experience, with its ominous yet powerful opening returning from a different heartbreaking perspective by the end. Invincible is a really well-directed short film depicting a 14-year-old boy (a remarkable debut film performance from Léokim Beaumier-Lépine) in a state of distress who cannot have the one thing he most desires. Invincible refrains from sharing certain details that do form the entire truth to its story and could have made a stronger statement than it does on a subject matter provoked but remains a compelling and touching short film to watch.

★★★★

Knight of Fortune
Denmark
25 Minutes

An older man tends to the tough task of viewing his wife’s body right after her passing and meets a stranger there who brings a few unexpected surprises his way while also helping him to come to terms with his loss. This sweet, delightful, and quirky comedic drama is an all-round satisfying short film experience that provokes plenty of curiosity, whose narrative has depth and is close to the heart.

★★★1/2

Red, White, and Blue
USA
23 Minutes

Definitely not to be confused with Red, White, and Royal Blue released last year! A mother of two is faced with an unexpected pregnancy. With abortion illegal in the American state she resides, she must travel interstate for several hours to seek help. Yes, this short film makes a statement on its contentious subject matter, but the moment you believe you’ve got it all worked out, Red, White, and Blue will absolutely make you think all over again. A really effective short film and an equally effective performance from a brunette Brittany Snow, in a very different role for her. This is my personal favourite of the lot. 

★★★★

The After
UK
18 Minutes

The After begins by depicting a tragedy that happened in the life of Dayo (played by David Oyelowo) some time ago in the past before moving onto the present grief and possible healing he experiences. This short drama definitely has its moments, whether tender, gripping or touching, but structurally needed to be swapped over in order to have maximum impact. 

★★★

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
UK, USA
37 Minutes

Gone are the days where I could barely contain my excitement at seeing a Wes Anderson film. The opening of his most recent works has certainly delighted me, and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is no exception to that. But once that initial high of the style Wes Anderson brings burns away, all we’re left with is a rather boring and disconnecting experience that doesn’t have the writing prowess to match its visual wonder. For a short film, it feels lengthy too. Hmm. Such a disappointment considering the calibre of writer, director, and, stars (Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, and Richard Ayoade).

★★★

These 2024 OSCAR ® NOMINATED SHORT FILMS – LIVE ACTION are showing in selected cinemas across Australia from February 22nd to Early March.

Moviedoc thanks Bonsai Films and Annette Smith: Ned & Co for providing the screener links to watch and review these short films.

Reviewed by Leigh for Moviedoc

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