En halvårsberättelse

First-time filmmaker Matilda Wikingson makes a great first impression with 'Decay'. With what appears to be a non-existent production budget she effectively delivers a fairly complex narrative in sixty seconds about the effects of gambling addiction. I was impressed by her minimalist approach and her care to not overwork the set dressing. Even with no dialogue the film's pacing and structure remain strong.

Simplicity is the obvious solution to a cluttered reality and it's serene to see it applied to filmmaking. Matilda's plot develops logically; naturally. From the young couple nesting to their fist child and ultimately into the disintegration of the relationship. As the exiting shot pulls away, we leave our hapless young man looking back into a complete reversal of our original point of view, as if we are the ones who are leaving.

The music was a great choice. The repetitive and melancholy ambiance reverberates the futility. And, the editing was barely short of perfect. When an artist engages any new experience, it is always better to perform one or two things brilliantly, than four or five things half-assed! And Ms. Wikingson delivers with flying colors.

E.J. Wickes/Cult Critic/CICFF