Lizziehead

"Lizziehead" offers a refreshing departure from traditional rom-coms, diving headfirst into the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and the pursuit of self-discovery. Directed by M W Daniels, this 38-minute short film introduces us to Lizzie Barnett, a bold and unapologetic protagonist portrayed with gusto by Charlotte Gould.

The story revolves around Lizzie's quest to find her long-lost father, a journey that brings her face to face with her enigmatic and emotionally distant mother, played with chilling precision by Kathy Griffiths. As Lizzie navigates through a maze of past traumas and present-day challenges, she finds herself grappling with a myriad of emotions, from longing and insecurity to humor and resilience.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its willingness to push boundaries and explore taboo subjects with unflinching honesty. From its explicit humor to its candid portrayal of sexuality, "Lizziehead" fearlessly confronts the complexities of human relationships in all their messy glory. While some viewers may find certain scenes uncomfortable or controversial, there's no denying the film's commitment to authenticity and raw emotion.

At the heart of "Lizziehead" is Charlotte Gould's powerhouse performance as the titular character. Gould effortlessly embodies Lizzie's fiery spirit and vulnerability, delivering a nuanced portrayal that is equal parts captivating and relatable. Whether she's navigating awkward romantic encounters or confronting her mother's painful secrets, Gould's performance keeps us invested in Lizzie's journey every step of the way.

Director M W Daniels deserves praise for his deft handling of the film's tonal shifts and narrative pacing. Despite its eclectic blend of genres-ranging from horror to rom-com to drama-"Lizziehead" never feels disjointed or unfocused. Instead, Daniels expertly weaves together disparate elements to create a cohesive and compelling story that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

In conclusion, "Lizziehead" is a bold and audacious exploration of love, loss, and the messy complexities of human connection. With its sharp wit, fearless performances, and unapologetic approach to storytelling, this short film is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences. Whether you're a fan of rom-coms or craving something a bit more offbeat, "Lizziehead" is a must-see for anyone who appreciates bold and boundary-pushing cinema.

Spoiler Free Plot: I was immediately captivated by the introduction of this short film, which effectively sets the tone for what's to come. The narrative centers around Lizzie's life, delving into her dating life, sexuality, and unresolved "daddy issues".

Screenplay: The dialogue is a standout feature, brilliantly capturing the humor and absurdities of dating life. The screenplay is exceptional all over the short film, particularly in the second half, which escalates in hilarity, notably in the client scene. The lighting in the film elevates its overall visual appeal.

Cinematography: In terms of cinematography, the film exhibits a mix of shaky and steady camera shots. However, I noticed in the introduction some inconsistencies in the camera movement during close-up, over-the-shoulder dialogue scenes, where it tended to drift upwards. Despite this, the medium and long shots are well-executed, and the use of two-shot scenes adds to the visual storytelling. The Dutch tilt shots bring a unique feature and angle to the short film; it perfectly matches its comedic tone.

Acting: Lizzie (Elizabeth) as a character is brilliantly portrayed - her wit, humor, and extroverted yet emotionally complex nature are captivating. The cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing depth and relatability to their roles.

Impressions: The British accents lend an additional charm to the film, enhancing its character. My first impression was overwhelmingly positive; the humor resonated with me, evoking genuine laughter.

Sound Mixing: On the technical side, the sound mixing could be improved, as the music is occasionally too loud and overshadows the dialogue. There are also noticeable noise issues in some scenes that could have been fixed.

Overall, this romcom short film is a delightful watch. Its humor resonates well, making for an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Watching this film was truly an honor, as it skillfully balances humor with insightful storytelling.

Lizziehead," a TV movie directed by M W Daniels, masterfully balances dark comedy and emotional drama. Released in 2023, this UK production stars Charlotte Gould as Lizzie Barnett, who embarks on a quest to find her estranged father. The film explores themes of identity, inherited trauma, and familial complexities. Gould delivers a standout performance, supported by Alan Austen and Vera Bremerton. The script is sharp and witty, with dialogue that adds depth to the characters. The cinematography and editing complement the narrative's tone, while the soundtrack enhances the film's emotional impact. "Lizziehead" is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, offering a unique blend of humor and heartache.

One sentence summary: A young woman in search of fulfillment, love, and pleasure deals with the ensuing complications.

It wasn't a lack of ambition that made Lizziehead hard to watch, but rather a lack of focused direction. The blazingly fast-paced dramedy more often than not felt scatterbrained, as if I were watching the highlights of a full-length movie. The comedy was exceedingly crude, but it was without enough bite to induce the desired gut-busting effect. However, the aspect most detrimental to the film's success was the unlikable nature of the title character. Instead of coming across as witty and edgy, she instead seemed arrogant and self-important. Despite the effort that I'm sure went into making this short film, hard work doesn't always translate to success in the movie business.