"Asylum" is without a doubt one of the most disgusting short films I have seen recently. However, I mean that in the most positive way as far as movies go. As a film, it essentially showcases everything you don't want to know about so many things... in a few short minutes. The implications are staggering, Craig F. Watkins and Brent Laderoute definitely don't shy away from sticking the nasty side of life straight into your face. I have no doubt this title is at least partly inspired by the state of politics lately. It simply oozes of political satire. The scary part is that maybe the "satire" isn't as fictional as it's portrayed. Let me just write that I wouldn't be surprised to learn of a similar situation happening in the real world. Not surprised at all. It's really tough to write anything on the story presented here. The film is only a few minutes, anything I write would essentially give away the entire production. If you want a description, the film info is about as good as it's going to get: When Sameera and Rayan wake up in a dark room, they are forced to make a choice that will impact the rest of their lives. What I can write is that for around three minutes, we get to see a horrible situation unfold. That however, is not where it ends. The final segment involving the aftermath of the film, is where things get really scary. Scary with a home-grown twist. I completely considered the ending of the film to be more unsettling than the "meat and potatoes" of the production itself. The calm, matter-of-fact way our villain, if that's what you want to call her, confidently addresses a question knowing how she came up with the answer. Never mind the fact that the gathering of this so-called answer was disgusting, but rather the implications. Even if things in "the room" had gone the other way, and her decision would have been reversed... the way things were done is so perverse... yet uncontrollably believable. For anyone paying attention to the government official in question during the end, you may notice her decision seemed to be more related to the treatment of one's own family, than the action itself. This makes things all the more horrible, considering the particular "action" I am writing about. I hate being so vague but I really don't have a choice. Also, as I wrote above, this short flick is all the more scary because many of us will find the hint of realism hidden in the fiction. Scary world we live indeed. Technically, I have no complaints. This is very nice looking, and sounding production. Acted well with obvious attention to the post process, makes this a visual treat to watch. Of course, this directly contrasts the story itself, but that's alright. It's always good when you can praise both the technical elements and the story, because when it's all said and done, the two together form one hell of a powerful statement. Clearly, for a short competition piece there truly is a lot to digest crammed into a few scary minutes. Did I mention this was a competition piece? It is. Meaning it's free to view. So why not head on over and take it all in. When you're done, maybe consider laying down a vote. That's my two cents.
