Introduction –
We haven’t seen the rest of the four films nominated for the 2018 Oscars. What we do feel is that The Silent Child, based on a subject which has been around for a long time now got lucky to bag the Academy Award for Best Short Film ( Live Action ).
Synopsis –
The film has surreal, dreamy locations, talented actors and superb background score. Set in rural England, the film portrays the life of a 5 year old girl Libby ( Maisie Sly ), born with hearing disability. Her family, including mother Sue ( Rachel Fielding ) and father Paul ( Philip York ) seem indifferent to Libby’s adversities as they go about their business leaving the kid in the company of silence and brooding.
Enter Joanne ( former Hollyoaks actress Rachel Shenton ), a social worker and a therapist. She’s hired to help Libby communicate with others effectively. Joanne is young, bright-eyed and bubbly, and seemed a little too confident. She takes one look at Libby and immediately strikes a perfect note. While she focuses on sign language, Libby’s parents want Joanne to teach her lip reading. It is this clash of thoughts which leads to Joanne’s dismissal. Sue terminates Joanne’s services over the phone.
The film ends with Joanne arriving at Libby’s school and from across the gate the two convey their love for each other.
Analysis –
The million dollar question first. How can parents be so bigoted, indifferent in spite of going to great lengths to know about cochlear implant? How can a 5 year old girl learn sign language so quickly? Moreover, Joanne’s perpetual presence makes one wonder and even raise question about her professional role.
Everything about the film is bland, just like the season chosen to shoot the film. In short, The Silent Child lacks some of the essential elements of a short film such as meaningful narrative and compelling story arc. Even the end, the resolution, seemed abrupt, rushed. On the acting front, Rachel Shenton has given an enviable performance while cinematography by Ali Farahani is the only consolation.
Year of Release – 2017 | Director – Chris Overton | Screenplay – Rachel Shenton | Running Time – 20 Minutes | Availability – YouTube