It’s rare for a debuting filmmaker to have all the ingredients laid out before them and know what to do with each. Even more difficult is making them work side-by-side, without either overpowering the other. Thankfully, both sentiments stand true for first-time director Keeran Anwar Blessie’s feel-good short A Fox In The Night, which premiered at the BFI Flare Film Festival and Outfest in 2022 and is now on the BAFTA longlist for 2023.
A key reason why the film works so well is because of its impeccably handled tone. Blessie’s direction is grounded, even realistic, but it’s bolstered by a team that clearly understands the task at hand. A case-in-point is the handheld cinematography style employed by Samira Oberberg, which expertly complements Blessie’s screenplay. It succeeds at being both natural and richly textured without losing its function in delivering the story.
Then there are the understated, subtly layered performances that play a huge part in rounding out A Fox In The Night. Blessie, now pulling triple duties, stars as Lewis, a young man looking to make a quick drug deal in South London before a supposed big night out. Opposite him is his unassuming dealer, Daniel, played by Korey Ryan. It’s a very uneasy pairing at first glance, but Ryan and Blessie’s charming chemistry instantly brings the two characters together in more ways than one. Confident one minute, insecure the next, Ryan and Blessie gradually bring these relatable qualities out of one another. It’s on a balcony overlooking a bustling street that this on-screen duo delivers a showcase of their talents, which is all but guaranteed to elicit a smile. It’s honest, playful, and all-around potent, tying perfectly into the final act that leaves much to contemplate.
Indeed, the film’s true power is revealed in its final moments. A resolution that brings about a beautiful discovery rather than something definitive or overtly dramatic. It encourages adaptability, just as its title so brilliantly implies. More importantly, it invites the audience to contemplate their own ability to accept change, wherever it may come from.
A Fox In The Night arrives with warmth and nuance, using all of its elements harmoniously to deliver a message that extends beyond the confines of a screening room. From its well-cast leads to its camerawork, this is measured filmmaking at its finest and should serve as a fantastic calling card for Keeran Anwar Blessie.
