A Scent (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

2026 HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW! 

Haunted by A Scent that apparently only she can smell, Nancy (Josie Walker) quickly realizes that she has a gift. With the ability to sense a debilitating disease even before technology can, she must use this gift to save someone she loves. 

There is a monochrome that consumes the entirety of A Scent, and the dulled hues present in the film help to create a sense of dread that never subsides and helps to keep viewers engrossed in the story. By simply dulling the hues, A Scent takes on a persona that seeps into every crevice of its being—and while the early going of the narrative doesn’t present as something overly emotional and dramatic, this simple decision by Writer-Director Johnny Russell presents viewers with a clear understanding that something of that nature will be present down the line. 

Again, the promise of something traumatic is always on the backburner, and one major reason why the film finds success in this arena is the talent of Walker. Walker, much like the rest of the film, is tasked with remaining even keeled. The simplicity with which she approaches the character of Nancy helps to create a mystery. The integral balance sees A Scent shift into something of a mystery; not necessarily one to be solved by the audience, but rather one that allows them to follow along and buy further into the hidden premise of the short film. Walker blends into her surroundings, yet, by being such a powerful actor, she creates a juxtaposition within the character that allows her to shine as well. 

Russell and Co-Writer Archie Thomson ensure that their film, one that, by its conclusion, is heartbreaking, has a strong ending. It required an ending that effectively wrapped up what had transpired throughout the film but also left it open to interpretation. As A Scent winds down, viewers are exposed to a relationship that, in many ways, is facing its greatest test to date—and, yet, it also comes off as delightful and charming. Again, simplicity is present in this film (and the ending), but the final seconds of the film allow A Scent to expand beyond a self-contained story out into the world, becoming even more accessible than before. 

A Scent is a powerful narrative that contains incredible meaning. Lead by simplicity and a dynamic, powerful performance by Walker, the film does well reaching its audience and bringing to life a dark, but equally beautiful film. 

Directed by Johnny Russell. 

Written by Johnny Russell & Archie Thomson. 

Starring Josie Walker, Cal MacAninch, Laura Rollins, Rob Jarvis, Jane Paul-Gets, etc. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING