"Small Change"

19 October 2022

6 mins 28s

Human goodness.

It's always tricky composing a review of a short film which depends on a crucial twist... although, in truth, this fine film from writer/director Max Fisher is just as enjoyable when you know what's coming. DAVID should know, having conducted two separate Q&As with Fisher during a screening night at the BFI in Stephen Street a while ago.

Those conversations in front of an invited audience were fun, as Fisher entertainingly revealed that the premise of the film was inspired by a particular recurring incident which pops up in the news every now and again. Sorry for the vagueness, but it'll be better for you to discover the film's premise by watching it!

What we can say without spoiling the plot is that the performances are superb. Spot-on casting complemented by excellent directing has drawn lovely acting from the two main protagonists... one of whom is relatively inexperienced.

Short films, like short stories, work best when they have a narrow scope – a single idea beautifully explored – and that's very much the case here. It says something about the philosophy of its writer/director too... Fisher takes an optimistic view about human nature, and the redemptive power of empathy.

So, if you haven't watched it already, watch it now... we're sure you'll enjoy it.

UK

Short Film