Caroline

Cries, runs, sweats. Hot, isolated, scared. Three children were being left in a car alone under the burning sun during summer Texas. Six-year-old Caroline had to take the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings when their mom leaves them for a job interview. Through the noisy background sounds of cars, cries, and the sweat marks on children's clothes, the film "Caroline" established a nerve-racking scenario for viewers through little details to significant symbols. The short film "Caroline" released in 2018, delivered a powerful message that raised the audience's awareness of current societal issues, where it demonstrated the hopelessness of a single mom who is in desperate need of a job to raise her three children herself. Celine Held, who played the mom, made her character come to life through her influencing acting, which brings the audiences to feel hopeless, worried and guilt along with her. Celine and Logan, the two directors, strived to establish a close connection with the three excellent child actors: Caroline, Brooks and Sally, by moving in with the children for a period of time. There is no question about the amount of care and work they had put into this film, and the final work is truly a masterpiece.

The film used mature shooting techniques such as tilted angles and higher angles which demonstrated the perspective of innocent children when in the face of fear and the missing of guardians. Though mainly focused on children, audiences could also connect with the mom's perspective and agree with the lady who helped the children. Overall, such complex ideas and details had been discussed perfectly in the short 12 minutes.

After I finish watching it, my eyes were filled with tears. It was heartbreaking for me to see three small children being left alone in a car and disappointed by the lack of care our society has for single mothers. The film used many details such as Caroline's wiggling tooth and the mom's smudged eyeliner that every time I watch the film again, it shocks me how relatable it is to many current real-life issues. Though Celine and Logan had done a perfect job of filming and acting, the ending of this film was not what I had expected. The film ended so suddenly that it did not give me time to recover from the chaos and had made me feel a little disappointed. In the end, "Caroline" is a significant piece of work that is impactful and worth watching. I would recommend this film to anyone because no matter their age, they would all learn from this film and interpret the message behind this film differently.

This short should have won the Palme D'Or at Cannes. It was the only US short nominated in 2018. The coolest thing about Caroline- you can watch it over and over again and pick up nuances that you missed the first time- it is packed with hidden meaning. It is BRILLIANT. Well done - love the kids and the mom <3

Wow, that was an intense short film. I can see a mom struggling with three young children like this. If a film leaves me wanting to see more, I know I've become involved in the story. And isn't that the point?

Provoked a emotional response from its audience. Whether you connect with the characters or not it's a memorable short film that allows the audience to be immersed in the storyline. The story follows a young girl and her family as she deals with the harshness of the inner workings of society. The single mother of three decides to leave her children inside the car on a hot Texas summer day in order to attend a job interview that she desperately needs. The views sympathize with her even though her actions were morally incorrect. As she frantically attempts to find a solution for the issue at hand. Her helplessness is present from the first moment of the film and escalates as the film progresses. By making the viewpoint Caroline, an innocent and vulnerable child, we the audience become conflicted between siding with the mother and her situation and what society norms.

The relationship between the director (Held) and children really shone though in this film, to make a believable and authentic performance. Inorder to create this bond both directors moved in with the children for a period of time in order establish a more comfortable atmosphere. The children acting has very impressive as it made the audience feel uncomfortable

This unique storyline and well executed acting made the film worthy of the praise it received. My criticism on the film was the little backstory it gave to what led up to the events at hand. Viewers had to make many assumption about the living and financial situation of the mother. The film exerted many emotions but abrupt ending made me personally left with many emotions and unable to feel with it. I would recommend this film to a more mature audience as it addresses mature concepts about our society. Overall I thoroughly enjoy the craft of this film and would watch again.

No wonder this short has won so many awards, it is a brilliant made film. So intensive and filled with emotion, what all films should be!