It truly is fascinating how one conversation can change the course of someone’s life. And in the context of the relationship portrayed in Is This The Bed We Lie In? – it’s a sign of quiet devastation. In his short film, director Joseph McGovern challenges both love and boundaries.
Robert (Joel Blanco) returns home one evening as usual, engaging his partner Jennifer (Constance Reshey) in conversation about her day. Jennifer is visibly unhappy, opening up about how mundane their everyday life has become. Robert attempts to understand her unhappiness, but what he uncovers could potentially spell the end for their relationship.
To deal with such a complex situation in such little time (under 5 minutes) is challenging to say the least, and it’s not always smooth sailing for the film. The lighting and cinematography aren’t exactly flattering, nor is the dialogue always one hundred percent discernible. Blanco and Reshey’s rapport isn’t immediately apparent, which makes it challenging to believe in the love that once existed and may still exist between their characters.
The screenplay by McGovern, Reshey, Blanco, and Andrew Mahana, however, is quite effective for how point-blank it is. Robert winds up asking Jennifer the right questions, and for better or worse, Jennifer offers her own blunt answers. This transforms the entire dynamic of the film, making its impact more profound than it was originally.
A bold effort from everyone involved, Is This The Bed We Lie In? has enough compelling moments to offset a rocky start.
