Reflection (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

When Eliott (Sara Tepper) receives a 911 call, their night is swiftly torn apart–and they are thrown into a whirlwind of panic and violence. As Eliot comes to terms with the reality of their situation, it becomes clear that this scenario is a Reflection of their own experience. 

Writer Megan Turner and Director Cameo Wood use juxtapositional light to tell the story of Eliott and their 911 call. Throughout the entirety of the film exists both darkness and some shade of purple. This use of darkness and color in collaboration with one another evokes emotion throughout the course of Reflection–and it helps to express to viewers that something dire and unprecedented is occurring right before us. Somehow the purple light is harrowing, managing to make the film feel even darker, even more daunting. Wood and Turner do a stellar job of manipulating light, both in the script and its execution, to ensure that viewers feel the intensity that Eliott would have in this life-or-death situation. 

Toward the start of Reflection, Eliott is seen moving through their apartment. They are seen moving in real time, but there are also instances of them being fast forwarded through the simplest of movements. This introduces a sense of magical realism that transcends the entirety of the film. Again, Wood uses her prowess to invite viewers in using unorthodox methods. There are moments in Reflection that are powerful, and while they don’t tell viewers exactly what is occurring, they prepare us for the shift at the end of the short film. 

That aforementioned shift happens abruptly–giving very little in terms of warning. Reflection, once the truth is revealed, becomes an entirely different film. The drama and intense emotion still exists, and everyone has access to it–however, viewers now see, first hand, Eliott’s situation. We are pulled in close, once again, to the tragedy that has befallen our protagonist–and the intensity spikes here. Here is where Reflection peaks. 

This narrative is brilliantly told; using color, fast forward, and misdirection, Wood is able to bring to life a short film that captivates viewers. Emotion is the key to Reflection’s success, and by using the juxtapositional tones from the very beginning, viewers can feel the intensity of all that transpires before them. Furthermore, as we are pulled deeper and deeper into this narrative, we can feel Eliott’s struggles, and, yet, we aren’t exactly sure where we are headed. Wood and Turner play the narrative close to the vest, ensuring that, by the time the film concludes, viewers will experience the shock and awe necessary to engulf them in emotion. 

Directed by Cameo Wood. 

Written by Megan Turner. 

Starring Sara Tepper & Alexandrea Alvarez. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING