Tea for Two

It's the small things for me in short film that make me go back for more works. And this short film is full of those small details that every film-lover appreciates, whether they know it or not.

First and foremost is the set design, subtly hosting your journey through this film and gradually setting you up for an ephemeral twist (one of those that isn't there to make you gasp, but smile, and smell tea leaves and carrot cake ah).

Look closely when you watch this mini masterpiece, watch closely and be transported into a world you didn't know you wished you existed in. (No, not a tea shop world, a world where certain 'inevitables' aren't inevitable)

Before I get carried away with the serious undertones that this film carries (and I could) I should mention that I did laugh, several times, it is a comedy.

Much of the fun and giggles come from Amanda Barrie for me (I love the irony, I love John Challis) and she has the performance of a wispy, slightly clumsy and loving wife down to a… tea (sorry).

This is a short film I wish I could've studied, I could write an essay. The film is theoretically layered for those who want to dive deep or for those who don't, ten minutes of giggles and 'aw' moments are guaranteed.

To be enjoyed with a cuppa and loved ones.

It's always a challenge to tell a satisfying story within the time frame of a short film. 'Tea for two' achieves this in a ingenious way. As with many of Pork Chop Picture's films, it ends with a reveal, what is cleaver about this reveal is it exposes a larger story that we, the viewer were not party to and that eureka moment definitely does the job.

For me the penny dropped about 20 seconds before the point where the film subtly lets you into it's secret which I think is a testament to how well it's paced and how well you as the viewer are given 'just enough' information.

There is some slightly strange dialogue at the beginning of the film and characters seem to be doing some very odd things which are the source of some humour. I was reminded of Fawlty Towers at times. Because you're not really sure what's going on, you might put you off watching further but it all clicks into place once you've seen the whole film. This is definitely a film that deserves a second watch, where you'll undoubtedly see things you missed the first time.

The actors are well cast and all play their parts well but Amanda Barrie stands out as the star for me. She is mesmerising to watch with a screen presence and cheeky humour you cannot help but like. In my opinion an under-utilised UK talent that I would love to see more of in the cinema.

All is all a very satisfying watch. I know this is a step up in production values for the Porkers. I hope to see more from these guys now they've upped there game.