The Trick (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Trapped in a dreary day-to-day routine, Rita (Jennie Eggleton) is desperate for a way out. When a mysterious man presents an opportunity for her to find emotional freedom, she’s quick to jump on the opportunity. The Trick is an apt metaphor for the claustrophobia of life, and the resilience needed to stick around. 

The film’s ambiance is dark, harrowing, congested; and it manages to consume viewers from the opening moment--and clocking in at only four minutes, that’s essential to The Trick’s success. Thrown aggressively into a bar setting, viewers are forced into an intimate exchange that includes Rita, our leading gal. Her face is often consumed by the darkness that permeates the aforementioned bar, and her less-than-ideal situation becomes more apparent with every passing second. Writer-Directors Matt Fitch and Chris Baker use the frequent absence of light to control the tone of the film, to consume viewers, so much so that it seemingly emanates from the screen and films the room from which you’re watching. 

The star of The Trick is, without a doubt, Rowan Polonski (Man in Black). He’s effectively the film’s antagonist, thinly veiled by the illusion of honor and morality, and he’s the purveyor of the titular trick. The Trick rests on the shoulders of Polonski, and he delivers every step of the way. He conveys darkness much like the literal darkness that exists throughout this film, but there’s charm present in his performance, something calming and welcoming. His juxtapositional delivery, combining false sincerity and mystery from start to finish, is nothing short of brilliant. Additionally, what Polonski is able to so aptly achieve in The Trick is provide viewers the immediate understanding of the pain that he will ultimately administer by the conclusion of the short film, while also providing us with something like a sense of admiration. He remains suave even in his most sinister moments, inviting viewers over to his side; and he’s ultimately successful in his venture. 

The Trick relies heavily on its performances and its ability to consume viewers through its use of lighting. The concise nature of the film allows the characters to appear larger than life, a prominent focus for viewers. The Trick is subtle in its message, but powerful in its performances, again, the primary reason the short film thrives as it does. 

Written & Directed by Chris Baker & Matt Fitch. 

Starring Jennie Eggleton, Rowan Polonski, & Matthew Platt. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING