Une soeur

It is one of short films who you discover, scene by scene, detail by detail, as perfect. From inspired storytelling to the performances and cinematography. At first sigh, a gem. In essence, an intense drama because you feel each nuance of dialogue and its minimalism is real powerful. A call . A woman in the car. And her, in so many senses, sister. Short, exceptional in each detail.

Having attended a local theater's showing of the 2020 Oscar Shorts (Live Action) this was by far the best of the set in a particularly good year for the category. Within the first 60 seconds of the movie you immediately understand the very serious danger the main character (a woman who is a passenger in a man's car). The tension only builds from there. Even in a small theater the absolute stillness from the audience was palpable.

What is especially great here is the utter economy of how this story is told, along with an absolutelying perfect performance of the woman on the other end of the line (a police call operator). The pacing is likewise spot on, being long enough to build the story and draw out the tension, yet short enough to keep everything compact.

The short that did win that year was great as well, in fact several were, but this is one that you came away most changed by.

I loved it! A nice film directing, cast performed well. There is nothing to complain about. I did not like the music though so I give it 9 of 10. Other than that everything else was wonderful. Thanks.

"A Sister" is a 16 minute edge of your seat roller coaster ride. The pace is frenetic and relentless, you feel as if you are in the back seat of the car. Wonderful job by director Delphine Girard whom I would like see get a chance to direct a full length feature and kudos to Veerle Baetens as the 911 operator who is cool and poised under pressure and gives a performance you can feel.

Of the five shorts nominated by the Oscars, this was the best. A simple concept beautifully acted and shot.