Cherry-Colored Funk (2025)

-Written by Michelle Vorob.

2025 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

Cherry-Colored Funk is a somewhat entertaining punch in the face. I mean that in an earnest, non-sarcastic way, to prepare you for the tone of this hectic short film, with a surprisingly poignant ending. 

As the movie opens, we see the dingy interior of an Italian ice shop. Roberto Ferrari (Michael Tow) is giving instructions to his unenthusiastic employee Lily (Laura Hetherington), regarding store policies and customer service, all while “regaling” her with a childhood story about how he and his friends would go to their local Italian ice shop all the time and ask for samples of every flavor, likening it to stealing. This has resulted in his own two sample policy, which he wants Lily to strictly enforce.

We barely have time to figure out what the tone of Cherry-Colored Funk is before all hell breaks loose. Apparently, Roberto has a knack for pissing people off and much to his dismay, opening day doesn't go as planned. People from Roberto's past start showing up at the shop, each one mad for their own valid reasons. The scene quickly becomes chaotic, with more than one disgruntled person showing up to confront Roberto and mind you, not a single customer has come in. 

To me, despite the fact that Roberto is supposed to be a grifter, he looks to be someone [with sad eyes] just trying to make a better life for his family. Instead of giving up, he kept pushing all these years, until he finally had something tangible, something that could finally bring financial security, yet everyone around him doesn't see it. 

At this point, Cherry-Colored Funk is a cacophony of sound; people arguing, strange music. At this point, I've decided the visual tone is, “I have a headache.” Roberto can't take any more either. Maybe his family and everyone else has been right all along. Maybe he only makes bad decisions and will never be able to provide a better life for them. He runs to the back and breaks down. He's ready to give up. Just then, what does he see on the security monitor, but a mother and her little boy arrive, happy they were still open. Lily, warm and professional, provides wonderful customer service as a relieved and hopeful Roberto observes from behind-the-scenes.

Cherry-Colored Funk, in all of its agitation, effectively captures the difficulty of trying to achieve “American Success.” There is still such a strong belief that anyone can “make it” in America. If you work hard enough, if you can figure out the game. It's a dangerous mentality, especially for a man, whose self worth is often wrapped up in his level of professional and financial success. How quickly everyone turns on a man who can't make a successful business, or worse, who loses one. 

Cherry-Colored Funk is a wild ride with a few laughs and an unexpectedly touching ending. I highly suggest taking fifteen minutes and watching this.

Directed by Chelsie Pennello

Written by Chelsie Pennello and Corbett Blair

Starring Michael Tow, Laura Hetherington, Craig Coletta, Ian Lyons, Melissa Lamartina, Celeste Oliva, etc.

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING