Our Draft Review - Carla & Harrison

Transaction, directed by HARISA CARJAM is a short film dedicated to uncertainty. Harrison Blake appears in his second short film with a role of a furtive character, who establishes the initial plot. James Ely bags his role, in his debut, as the secretive focus who we follow throughout.

As the film opens with gripping music, it is instantaneous that creating suspense is key to the plot. The restricted narration leaves us wanting more, and feeling vulnerable. Cunningly crafted with a simple yet effective plot, the story unfolds misleading us towards an inevitable ending, only to twist at the last moment. Spanning only a day, this short film is not lacking action and the intelligent use of the GoPro Hero 2 gives the audience an alternative perspective.

No surname, backstory, or real identification of who these characters are, makes them feel isolated and we’re left wanting more. The films assertion that the package is on a dubious journey right up until the end leaves the audience feeling satisfied they know how it will turn out. Some may have a hunch the plot might twist, and rightfully so. The perfectly co-ordinated meet-up, the suspenseful journey up to the secluded downs, the non-committal verbal exchange and one character’s hurry to leave with the package allude it might be an illegal object. As Mr X hastily exits on his motorbike, it carries forward this idea. It becomes obvious there is a plot twist when a girl, identified as his sister greets him happily at the door.  This anticipation is worthy of waiting for.

Camera shots throughout this piece are high-quality are extremely imaginative. The colour correction used throughout gives the film an alternative overlook which reinforces the feel of ambiguity. Furthermore, the non-diegetic sound plays a vital role in transfixing the viewer in to a state of suspense.

Blake and Ely are both robust actors that help give the short film a more professional feel. The lack of speech throughout emphasises the indefinite ending, which keeps the audience questioning what’s to come. The stereotyped outfits hide their traits, and further pushes the theme of a false of knowing. The black leathers Mr X wears foreshadow the questionable trouble ahead.

The film does a great job of deceiving the audience yet we never even get the satisfaction of finding out what’s inside the package. Perhaps this film could have thrown in some more thrilling elements and developed the ending into a more conclusive result.