Wink

I first heard about Wink because it was a winner at the prestigious Dances With Films festival at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The award and the film's inclusion at many major film festivals will tell you all you need to know about the quality of the film, but I'll just add on that I personally enjoyed the film very much. I won't speak too much about the plot since it's a short film and I wouldn't want to give too much away, but I thoroughly enjoyed this cute, well made little movie. Wink has a fun little twist and I think would be well liked by a wide range of people. Do yourself a favor and give Wink 15 minutes of your time -- you won't regret it!

Monika Petrillo and her talented team have created a clever, beautifully developed film. The exceptional attention to detail, from the spotless home and multiple pillows on the bed to the contrasting images between the husband and wife are engaging. The total effect of these details would not have been so effective without the director's eye, insuring that every aspect of the many elements all combine to make this film so rich in meaning.

M.M. Kooyman, Del Mar, CA

It was entertaining, intriguing (or maybe suspenseful), had a terrific build up and a very nice (and I'm thinking simple but I suspect that is left up to the individual viewer) character change. I am not a critic, just a film fan, but I thought it was great. I was appropriately..er..uncomfortable and laughing at the same time. I liked the main character and even found myself rooting for her.

Technically, I thought it was a beautiful film as well: the setting, the camera angles, unspoken messages and the small actions to build the depth of the characters. I felt like I was a friend hanging out with them the whole time.

Beautifully shot and with a twist I was not expecting, I've found myself thinking about "Wink" often since I saw it two months ago. Monika Petrillo's film made me laugh, but it also made me think about the roles we play in our daily lives and the ruts we can easily find ourselves in. "Wink" makes you want to surprise yourself.

I agree with the critics' reviews regarding attention to detail, the "trapped" situation of both housewife and fish played out beautifully, and every other positive attribute of this tidy short. But they lost me completely with their lavish praise of the final few seconds, which made me want to cover my eyes. Of course we 'got it' at that point, and perhaps a knowing smile at the audience would have finished it nicely. Instead, in a matter of seconds, the ending made me groan and slide my rating from a 10 to a 7. Still recommend.