Call Me Crazy (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

2026 HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

Emi (Olivia Ormond) struggles with chronic pain—and when she meets Ben (David Kopriva), she finds that a stranger at a random motel has the potential to unlock something in her that others haven’t been able to. She begs those around her to Call Me Crazy, but maybe she’s just like everyone else. 

A series of gorgeous underwater shots both sexualize Emi and veil her in an innocence that’s infectious and nostalgic. There’s a place for each of us that reminds us of childhood, of a time when there was nothing to worry about, no bills to pay, no real understanding of the pain and suffering that exists in the world. In the moments in which Emi is the focal point, particularly those moments in the pool, Writer-Director Ormond transports viewers back to that place. There’s a sense of tranquility that overcomes viewers throughout Call Me Crazy, something beautiful that has the ability to consume the audience. Yet, there’s something just as equally harrowing that combats this sentiment and continues to punch those viewers in the gut. 

Call Me Crazy doesn’t settle for a singular tone; it doesn’t focus on one aspect of the human experience. What it does, rather, is combine both the most charming and most horrible pieces of what make us whole and challenge viewers to absorb and understand those things. By the conclusion of Call Me Crazy, viewers will experience a whirlwind of emotion—forcing them to question themselves and what it means to be whole. 

Ormond often allows her visuals to speak for themselves, using dialogue as exposition and allowing all that the camera captures to be the window into the soul of Call Me Crazy. Rather than focus heavily on developing hard-hitting dialogue, Ormond uses simple, honest words to create a sense of authenticity that is strewn throughout the entirety of her short film. There’s no questioning the validity of the story that she’s telling, but tipping the scales in the direction of the visuals, rather than attempting to fabricate inauthentic dialogue, speaks to her talent behind the camera and strengthens the film’s message. 

An aesthetically pleasing film, Call Me Crazy tickles more than just the sense of sight. There’s something tantalizing in the calm, ethereal score; and the often intrusive nature of what Call Me Crazy presents to viewers allows viewers to imagine the scent of a pool or a hotel room. I almost felt that I could reach out and touch Emi, reminding me of the times when I was young and was able to fall almost immediately in love with a stranger. Call Me Crazy makes you feel exceptional. Even through the pain engrained in this narrative, there isn’t a moment that passes in which I couldn’t feel something positive radiating through my body. This is a beautiful film. 

Written & Directed by Olivia Ormond. 

Starring David Kropriva & Olivia Ormond. 

9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW