Flashback

I didn't realise this was a short when I watched it. I'm not entirely convinced it was supposed to be either. It seems like it's building to something, then just fizzles out. Either this was an abandoned project or funding fell through for more episodes because in this state, and considering the talent behind it, it's just ridiculous. The whole premise has been done before as a feature, most recently Happy Death Day, but in the last year there's been a few films with this time travel scenario, It's a Wonderful Knife being another. But at 16 minutes it just doesn't make sense and leaves you with more questions than answers.

So one of the benefits of the unconventional nature of streaming and the like is that formats don't need to fit a cookie cutter template. That is one of the things I like about this- at least in concept. A short story, clearly shot on a low budget is actually pretty good. The concept involves how we perceive our life in the final moments of our death. This is an interesting concept. The execution is pretty interesting. The acting is not bad. The Butterfly Effect is explored here in an interesting way. Perhaps this is a one off, or perhaps, the treatise for a longer film. A longer version could go horribly wrong.

Somehow the main character here realized how to go back to the past by visiting her memories at the time of death (when your life flashes before your eyes, supposedly) and then just slow her breathing (?) and living in the memory, so then she can change the future (actually, the present - it's only the future in the POV of the memory).

Why does she need to change it all the way back from the very beginning and in such a drastic way and not right at the point where the tragic thing happens, is also beyond explanation.

All of that nonsense wrapped up in a wannabe cute and quirky love story. Empty and silly.

Very cute short, with an interesting premise, used before in cinema but still, not something you see too often.

The plot was good, the execution was nice and the actors did their job.

This is exactly how I see a good short, doesn't overstretch, doesn't try to cover more than it should, it just shows its idea and leaves space for a full length movie in the future.

The people involved in Flashback did a really good job and I hope to see more of their work. With a bigger budget I'm sure they will do proper work and hoppefully achieve something great.

Recommeded for a short, I think there is definitely room for more.

Cheers!

"Flashback" leaves much to be desired. The dialogues come off as predictable, lacking the depth and originality one would expect from a film of its caliber. The presentation is underwhelming, not providing the visual storytelling that pulls the audience into the narrative. As for the acting, it lacks nuance and emotional range, rendering the characters forgettable. In a world rich with cinematic artistry, "Flashback" unfortunately fails to distinguish itself. A missed opportunity in storytelling.

Each scene unfolds predictably, making it hard to connect or engage. Cinematography and soundtrack also fall flat, failing to elevate the ordinary acting and obvious script to a cinematic experience.