Short Film Review: “Boredom”
Directed by George Bartlett
UK • Drama • 13 Mins
On the day of their exam results, three school friends, standing on top of a hill looking down over their small town, procrastinate over opening their results, which they feel will ultimately decide their future.
The opening shot of the three friends, listening to music while walking along the railway tracks instantly brings Stand By Me to mind, possibly the quintessential film about adolescent male friendship. This shot is used to great effect. Despite these lads being a little older, within the first 10 seconds we already have an inkling of the direction of the film - while they aren’t on the hunt for a dead body, the film is packed with as much youthful bravado, banter and vulnerability as the 1986 classic.
One of the strongest elements of the film, yet one that could be easily overlooked due to its subtly, is the script from director George Bartlett. It’s tight, relatable and funny, packed with discreet visual and verbal metaphors. We don’t have long to get to know these lads, yet, along with the careful consideration given to the stylistic aspects of the film such as the costume design, we’re presented with everything we need to know about them very quickly, allowing us to concentrate and share in the shifting dynamics and rollercoaster of emotions as the film unfolds.
From a scripting perspective, this is clearly a personal film for filmmaker George Bartlett who dedicates it to “Small Town Boys Everywhere”, but putting aside his personal attachment to the material, it’s worth noting his skills as a director. He’s clearly very adept at working with actors, as he masterfully constructs the strong and believable bond between the friends, and creates an environment for the actors to comfortably allow themselves to display the honesty and vulnerability needed for their characters.
The individual performances of these finely crafted characters from Ethan Wilkie, Tyler Jack and Dylan Wilson are brilliant, incredibly engaging and sincere, but it’s the electric chemistry between the three actors that is what really shines through. There’s a nuanced comfortability and generosity between the young actors that, coupled with George Bartlett’s funny and clever script, leaves no doubt in your mind that these 3 characters have known each other forever, allowing them to share their disappointments, ambitions and frustrations with brutal honesty. The intricate dynamic of the group is enhanced further with cinematographer Johnny Gibbs’s brilliant choice shot composition and use of shallow focus.
The location is another key and critical element of the film, with its purpose constantly changing as the group’s chat changes course. As they stand on top of hill, looking down over a wide open expanse, with only their small town within sight, are they standing on top of the world, starring out into a wide expanse of possibilities, or are they trapped in the middle of nowhere, isolated from the rest of the world, with no hope or future beyond their small town? The answer to that, they think is contained within their exam results.
Even though we only spend 13 Minutes with these guys, by the end of the film, due to the likability & honesty of the writing & performances and the assured direction, you really hope that they go on and achieve their goals, or at the very least that they make the best of what life throws their way.
Boredom is a tight, funny and sincere coming of age short film with excellent performances, scripting and direction.
9/10
Boredom won Best Ensemble for Ethan Wilkie, Tyler Jack & Dylan Wilson, and was nominated for Best Short Film, Best Drama, Best Director, Best Writer and Best Editing at our 2022 film festival.
Reviewed by Philip Pugh
Watch the trailer:
