Fault (2025)

-Written by Zach Troxel.

In Fault, we follow two estranged sisters whose lives have revolved around the sport of tennis. Furthermore, we learn that there is shared and uncovered trauma that ultimately leads to a climax.

Fault is successfully emotionally heavy. This is a sports film at its core which creates an interesting premise from the beginning. Once we meet the sisters, Steph and Gigi, played by Sarah Rich and Coco Jourdana, the film takes off. The idea behind the sisters being estranged creates a very welcomed tension for the film to start. The emotions are felt immediately. The anxiety surrounding sports performance, along with the buried pain and potential resentment between the sisters, is evident.

The characters share a lot more than just being siblings. The story begins to uncover the shared trauma between the two. This is where the short film is elevated to another level. Jourdana expresses Gigi’s emotions so well. We can see and feel the true pain that is in her heart. The same goes for Rich, whose character Steph is vastly different from Gigi. The performances provide extra depth to the characters with an already thick layer. 

Fault is a smoothly directed piece. The pacing is perfect, and the emotional moments hit the mark. However, there is so much more to be had from this project. There is a lot to explore within the character’s relationship with one another and the third party villain. This could easily be expanded into a full length feature film and be a massive success. The ideas and potential around this premise are absolutely worth exploring. 

The final climax is built up perfectly; yet due to the runtime there are moments that feel a bit rushed and out of place. The climax would benefit from a more drawn out slow burn. Allowing the audience to sit with these characters, their stress would be a much more worthy payoff. The way the final sequence is shot provides a sense of chaos and almost provides a peak into the minds of the characters. The confrontation also serves as the emotional payoff to the trauma that has been carefully built throughout Fault. Years of hurt, misunderstanding, and silence finally come to the surface, creating a moment that feels both heartbreaking and necessary. It is in these final moments that the film is at its peak. The audience finally receives the whole picture of what the sisters have been carrying with them their whole lives. 

Fault is ultimately going to resonate with many people. The sad commonness of the topic discussed is tragic. However, this film truly embraces the empowerment of the victims that it takes to overcome the fear and pain. The trauma explored throughout the story never feels exploitative or exaggerated. Instead, it is handled with care and authenticity, allowing the audience to connect on a more emotional level. The message gives Fault a lasting impact that extends way beyond its runtime, and deserves to be shared. 

Fault succeeds because it balances the sports backdrop with a deeply emotional story about family, trauma, and healing. The performances of Rich and Jourdana elevate the material and make every scene genuine and memorable. While the film leaves a lot to be explored, its focused storytelling and powerful themes create a wonderful short film. By the end, Fault proves that some of the strongest battles people face are within themselves and not just through their sport or occupation. 

Written and Directed by Misha Calvert.

Starring Sarah Rich & Coco Jourdana. 

9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW