New Year's Eve

I'm a fan of Kris Smith as a filmmaker. Everything is top notch - casting, production - he does so much with such a subtle touch. We bounce from the first meeting of Will and Dani, who meet online and arrange their first date on New Year's Eve, and the police department, who have their hands full on the busiest night of the year. Director Smith understands though that the essence of the film is these two characters sharing what appear to be their darkest secrets with each other. He gives them the room they need to explore this complex dynamic. Chris Mills hits all the right beats as the shy and socially awkward Will, and Annabella Rich is a revelation as the seductress Dani, who may be telling the truth for the first time in her life. Great performances and a thoroughly enjoyable film.

I always like suspense dramas, especially when it takes place all in a day or a night or in one location. New Year's Eve tells a classic tale in this particular scenario. Two strangers meet for the first time after various exchanges between messages on a dating site, on a cold winter's night (New Year's Eve funnily enough).

It builds the tension up quite well with not only the main characters but the police who are spending what little time they have left to catch the killer before he/she finds their next victim. It's not a perfect film by all means but this wasn't even a 5K budget but the quality made it look worth more than that. Still recommend it.

This short may have been made on a small budget, but that did not show in the high quality of the production. Great cinematography. Visually, the lighting and camera angle shots were really well-done.

Overall, the writer did a great job developing the two main characters, Will and Dani, in this tension-packed crime drama in just a short period of time. Will's awkwardness and Dani's seductiveness were on full display from the beginning. The actors did a solid job portraying these characters. They were both interesting and believable as they divulged their secrets and exposed their vulnerability on their New Year's Eve first date. They intertwined storyline of the cops added an element of surprise to the ending as well.

Really enjoyed catching this film, I often find New Year's Eve can be quite daunting, so I could relate to the Will character. I also enjoyed the constant interplay with the police department scenes and the date, it was a great insightful way to hold the audience.

It's a well thought out film, that keeps you gripped until the very end. One to watch for sure during the new year's eve celebrations! Hopefully one to dig out each year to see. Loved the ending that made you wanting just a bit more.

It plays with the notion of New Year's Eve so well, as It's always challenging to meet someone genuine during that time of year. Highly recommend, loved the soundtrack also.

Chris Mills and Annabella Rich make their phenomenal performances as Will and Dani in the short seductive thriller "New Year's Eve" which is available to see on certain platforms. Mills and Rich, who are now writers for the upcoming coming horror "The Death of Us", create a chilling experience for the viewers demonstrating online dating and just how edgy it can really be. Their chemistry is valuable and worth your time in this intense half an hour drama, and it leaves you wanting more of the on-screen tension wondering what their intentions are throughout. High hopes for their careers, and I hope they get very far in life and the filmmaking industry.