Whyfor Review

Whyfor is a 2020 short film written and directed by Jack Trowbridge

If the Overlook Hotel had a side story focusing on one of the day-to-day workers, this would be it. Whyfor sets in with a deceptively simple premise that mixes both dark humor and existential dread to great effect.

Coming from a background of event video work for many years I can instantly find relatability in the plight of protagonist Simon as portrayed by Richard Kiess. Even without a dark force messing with your head, it is easy to get stuck in the loop of repetition that comes with dressing a room for the same type of an event. I have felt as if I was stuck in prison, seeing the same things played out with just different people.

What I enjoyed about this film though is that it doesn’t just stuck on one note of darkness. It knows exactly when to imbue its own sense of humor throughout as well. It takes inspiration from the film The Shining but also keeps its own tone throughout.

Looking down through the list of credits I wanted to make sure to really highlight the score of the piece which I see was also done by Jack Trowbridge. For me the score really makes the film. It is so eloquently and brilliantly used throughout. It knows exactly where to punch up the emotions on screen. In tandem with the great acting from Kiess it provides a harmonious balance that never feels heavy handed or overbearing.

The angles used throughout and the editing are also well done. The pace feels spot on, and no shot overstays its welcome. In a looping event style story such as this, it could have been very easy to cross the line to tedium but by providing new ways of seeing the room while also knowing when to visually illustrate repetition is handled great.

Overall, this is a smart, darkly funny short film that wears its influences on its sleeve while also finding a footing of originality throughout. Trowbridge and his team are doing great things here and I am excited to see future films by them. My last note is the cinematography by Matt Gillan, which is clean and punchy. Bravo!

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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