FILM INFO: Over the course of a weekend, three couples experience the complications of long distance relationships and modern love.
WRITTEN BY: Nic Barker DIRECTED BY: Nic Barker GENRE: Drama TIME: 60 minutes.
Short Distance ( 2017 )
Feature Film Review
Long distance relationships have been the bane of couples since mankind was able to travel any considerable distances. Most believe they simply don't work, that is, until a perfectly fitting long distance love story comes along, much akin to an urban legend from a friend of a friend. Then we think: Of course it's possible. If you love someone enough you simply make it work. Right? Statistically, it's a bet a lot of people wouldn't, and don't take. On those occasions when it does work out however, it's a glorious thing and an excellent story for the children down the road. Another old saying that indirectly relates to "Short Distance" is that the grass is always greener, on the other side. That's a great thought, until you hop the fence and look back over. Then, sadly, that grass seems much healthier than the crap you happen to be standing on. It's the catch 22 of relationships and life in general. The modern world and it's new age people require travel. Go to school here, work there. Work here, wait for the love of your life to finishes whatever they're doing over there. The problem is that life now days isn't easy. Many need to travel to accomplish their goals, yet we all need physical contact and when we don't have it, we look for it. It's not a conscious choice, it's a genetic decision. Nic Barker explores all this through the lives of three distinct couples. All in various stages or situational life styles, of the long distance relationship. Each story showcases variations of the main theme: Long distance couples. That could mean the "start" of an upcoming ordeal, the final stages many long distance relationships will probably face, or maybe a slightly different kind of long distance relationship... a lonely one. Three couples - three different situations. Don't get me wrong. What I've written so far may sound like this is a documentary. It is not. Rather three separate and complete fictions. The quality of the stories, and handling of the production itself makes you wonder though. Are these truly fictional segments? Or are they based on Mr. Barker's life experiences, or those of his friends. The nature and scenarios feel real. As do the characters themselves, thanks to some well written dialog and a really talented group of actors. Did I not mention above how well done this film is? If you're looking for an independent film that looks independent... you won't find it here. More on that below. "Short Distance" is a great film visually. Every shot feels like it was crafted, or even true life recorded with a hidden camera; no hint of any indie stigmas to hold it back. An excellent dialog mix and great balance of score and up front audio keep our ears happy. All this is held together with a classy edit that showcases the story, never once appearing front and center. They say the best video edits are the ones you don't see... a thankless skill that when absent, is noticed immediately. These three stories are highlighted, as they should be, and the excellent cast do a wonderful job in their respective roles. If I could have changed one thing, it would have been interesting to have these three stories overlap somehow. That would have been the gravy on the potatoes but by no means is that a complaint about the film. Technically, "Short Distance" is a very impressive production through and through. The drama genre can easily fall flat if done incorrectly. When done right however, this style, that many consider boring, can actually be quite the opposite and live up to it's name: Dramatic. Nic Barker, and his cast and crew of amazingly talented people, bring you a film you won't need to warm up to. Almost immediately you'll be caught up in this fictional, yet strangely real world of people that could live next door. "Short Distance" surprised and entertained me. When it's all said and done, that's all that really matters. Any movie, no matter the genre needs to have one thing: Entertainment value. This film has it in spades. When you also stop and consider that this film also "looks" like a million bucks... What's to complain about? Excellent job all around.