Man and Boy

Although this is not a fun short film to watch, it is an effective one thanks to how well it is constructed in the writing, structured in the edit, and delivered on the set. The plot sees a father going to a neighboring flat to confront a man who he believes has sexually assaulted his son. From here we see the many points of the story at around the same time.

The effect is to see that nobody in the film is really an 'innocent'. Everyone has done wrong here and there is little doubt that there is blame and guilt to spread around. Naturally we want to have a 'side' in a film and I found it nicely unsettling not to be able to find one, but rather to be thrown around somewhat. The subject matter is highly emotive and again it plays off this to produce conflict and tension. The performances deliver on this well – in particular Marston is very good in probably the most difficult role.

In the end it is not a 'fun' experience, but it is well played out, and the structure of the film makes for a more compelling and difficult watch, which is a good thing.

A very intense short and very cleverly written. A school boy makes his way home and befriends a loner from the estate he lives on, not sure where everything is leading with this strange friendship, both Man and Boy find themselves in a predicament and your not quite sure what to believe and thats the beauty of this piece, some incredible performances from, Calum Mcnab, Jeff Bell and Eddie Marsan,it will keep you on the edge or your seat as you decide what happened......have you made the right choice?! Great directing from Marcus McSweeny and David Leon, this short has had much praise including a special mention of thanks at this years 'Brest annual short film fest'.

Wow! It's quite explosive from the start. Again it's not about being gay, but about being a pervert or is he? Still, it is quite horrifying and you can feel the tension from the performance.

The stupid games boys play and the consequences that can befall everyone involved are explored very dramatically.

201.05/1000.

I saw this short as part of the Palm Springs short film programme this year and can't wait to see what David Leon and Marcus Mcsweeney do next. It was provocative, challenging and intense. The non-linear cutting style really added to the tension and kept me guessing to the end.

Based on a true story, the chilling tale feels incredibly real and is beautifully acted. Eddie Marsan is always great, I am a big fan and Geoff Bell acts with such force and menace you can't help but feel sorry for the situation the characters find themselves in.

In short a brilliant film, one of the best and unique shorts I've ever seen. Check it out.