The Other Side

This is film is effective at creating tension and making you feel the right kind of uncomfortable at times. Mitchell is able to pull great performances out of his actors who deliver dramatic performances while maintaining a sense of realism. Mitchell's cinematography, specially the composition of shots, is utilised greatly to tell the story.

Despite there being some great silent scenes, I think certain scenes would have benefitted from more music in the background. This may have filled out and enhanced the scenes a bit more. Additionally, I appreciate the nature of a short film being what it is but, I would've liked more details or backstory on Aaron's illicit backstory and relation to his mysterious boss 'H'.

Overall, a strong entry from Burrows and certainly an upgrade from his earlier films.

The Other Side is a psychological thriller that went in a completely different direction than I was expecting it to, in a good way, and despite its length it never dragged or felt overlong. I knew I was enjoying it when I experienced second hand cringe during a group therapy scene.

Chris Mills is great at being compelling while playing a pretty terrible person with almost no redeeming qualities, and the times you do have to feel for Aaron he more than brings it. Peter Tilley is also a real one scene wonder in a key moment that's definitely the most gripping part of the film. I wouldn't be opposed to a 'sequel'/companion piece from Ross's POV. Amie Howes also provides quite the screen presence as a 'Lost Lenore' figure that would make Edgar Allen Poe himself applaud.

Overall a solid thriller with good production values, nice performances, and good directorial effort from Mitchell Burrows.