Immersion can make or break a short, especially where timing is concerned. That’s the whole entire point of the genre, leaving a lasting impact with limited time. It’s always a treat to see indie filmmakers take a concept and run with it, especially when they are very clearly leaving no stone unturned to maximize their budget and resources. Between its hauntingly gripping atmosphere and inventive camerawork, writer/director Andrea Ocampo’s latest Blackout, is a stunner at just under six minutes.
Set in the dingy underbelly of New York City’s subway system, a young woman (Amanda Williams) confronts all manner of disturbances as she lugs a heavy duffel bag down the stairs to the platform. Drone operator Joe Eulo’s camera swoops in from above, tracking the nameless girl into the dark depths where she is welcomed by the great unknown. To spoil the many twists and turns of the film would be doing it a disservice, so best be on the lookout for them, nestled among the short’s crafty subliminal messaging.
Williams excels in a role that holds just as many surprises as the plot, as she grits down and reaches an electric level of intensity. Director of Photography Rutuja Sawant’s visuals are captivating across the board, all the way down to its color grading (Larissa Hanna). The word visceral comes to mind when glancing at the world that Blackout envelops you and Williams’ character in. The masterful way the film is framed and edited (Larissa Hanna), doesn’t allow for a feeling of safety or moments of respite. It’s downright anxiety-inducing, in the best of ways.
Blackout’s technical creativity alone is worth the price of admission, but throw in a clever screenplay and a commanding lead performance by Amanda Williams, and you have the recipe for a riveting, deliciously dark thriller.
