Child's Fare (2025)

-Written by Bryan Miller.

2026 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

Child’s Fare, written and directed by Kirsty McLean, tells the story of young Abby (Isla Mercer), who is left to her own devices outside of a pub by her father. The short film reveals to us what an emotional toll it can have on a young woman searching for a place in this world.

So… What works?

Child’s Fare lives and dies by the performance of Mercer, who anchors the story as Abby. Thankfully, she rises to the challenge. Even at a young age, Mercer conveys the full spectrum of emotions necessary to portray the struggles of a young woman trying desperately to find her place in a world that seems indifferent to her. Her sense of rejection by the older kids, her desperate need to fit in and be liked, her loneliness, and the rage that simmers when the world turns against her are all convincingly rendered. She is absolutely fabulous.

Abby’s relationship with her father, played by Neil Leiper, is also compelling. Their bond is strained, as his focus is often on himself rather than his daughter. Like Abby, he is struggling to fit in and be accepted. Though he is far from perfect, the love between them is clear, and Abby’s desire to make him happy, even as he struggles with his own happiness, is evident.

Writer-Director McLean, along with Director of Photography Carmen Pellon Brussosa, also did a fantastic job with Child’s Fare. The film carries a gritty realism, enhanced by naturalistic lighting that grounds each scene. The realistic lighting reinforces the harshness of Abby’s environment and deepens the emotional tone. McLean frequently keeps the camera at Abby’s eye level, positioning the audience alongside her perspective. She remains the center of this world, and McLean uses the framing and visual composition deliberately to reinforce that focus. McLean’s script is also incredibly well-crafted, with dialogue that provides just enough insight into this family’s life without ever explicitly explaining anything. She is able to tell a whole story without ever spelling it out.

Now, what did not work?

I don’t really have any major issues with the short. If anything, I might’ve liked a little more closure when it comes to Abby and Sandy (Amy Williamson), but it didn’t feel essential. Sandy pushes Abby to a breaking point, but that moment doesn’t define who Abby is. She’s just a kid trying to navigate a world where most people don’t pay much attention to her, except for her dad, who’s still trying to sort himself out. In the end, though, they have each other, even if the relationship isn’t exactly what it is supposed to be.

Overall:

I really enjoyed this short. It’s incredibly well-acted and thoughtfully produced. McLean does a great job introducing and developing Abby and her dad in a way that feels natural, not forced. Mercer brings Abby to life in a way that makes her struggles feel real and grounded.

Written & Directed by Kirsty McLean. 

Starring Isla Mercer, Neil Leiper, Amy Williamson, etc. 

10/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW