Mentalese Express

A smile is the best icebreaker.

"Mentalese Express" is a beautifully tender short film that captures the universal struggle of introverts trying to connect. With minimal dialogue but an abundance of emotion, it tells a slow-burn romance between two strangers navigating cultural and linguistic barriers.

What Works: ✅ Subtle yet powerful performances - Joanne Missingham and Koshi Mizukami convey so much through body language and lingering glances.

✅ Bilingual charm - The mix of Chinese or Taiwanese and Japanese adds depth, making their hesitant attempts at communication even sweeter.

✅ Relatable awkwardness - The film perfectly portrays that nerve-wracking moment of wanting to speak but overthinking every move.

What Could Be Better:

Too short! Fans (myself included) are begging for a sequel to see where their relationship goes.

Final Verdict: A must-watch for lovers of quiet, introspective romances. "Mentalese Express" redefines "slow burn" with its delicate storytelling and emotional authenticity. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wishing for a full-length feature.

Short and sweet film about two introverts finding love in a lift. Beautifully done! The two wonderfully acted out the awkwardness and hesitation of mustering up the courage to talk to one another. Loved every moment of it.

One whole drama in less than 20 minutes! These were just the sweetest and cutest encounters. I can relate to the feeling when riding the elevator with your crush.

I like it very much. I can watch it over and over again without getting bored. Thank you for creating this wonderful work.

Now i need a 16 episode full drama on this.

I hope you will do more work in the future..

Two office workers in Taiwan (one Japanese and the other Taiwanese, I think) each start crushing on the other (unbeknownst to them) while riding the elevator to work. But neither knows exactly how to break the ice. So ensue a series of humorous strategies to get each other's attention.

Funny short film that allows us to hear the thoughts of a man and a woman as they attempt to push through their own insecurities while navigating the social complexities of getting to know one another. And in the end, a risk has to be taken to move to the next stage. Clever little film where all the action takes place near and on an elevator. Well done!