The Fruit Fix Review
The Fruit Fix is a 2021 short film written and directed by Philip Connolly.
A beautifully charming short film that expertly captures the essence of what anxiety can mean, along with the power to overcome it, The Fruit Fix is a wonderfully heartfelt work of art.
The story of Hope is one that many of us today can instantly understand. With her upcoming piano audition and her overall social anxiety, she has to push through what feels like an impassable mountain of self-doubt to make it all happen.
Anxiety can be such a punishing mental hurdle to overcome. As someone who has dealt with it in many forms over the years, that sinking feeling can control so much of what we do in life.
In many films’ portrayals of mental issues or illness are often exaggerated or heightened for the sake of “entertainment value,” however not in this short. There is an obvious firsthand knowledge of what it feels like in actual life, and the way the film captures this is masterfully achieved.
With all of that said, the visuals on display are also equally gorgeous, with some wonderful cinematography by Thomas Shawcroft. It is vivid yet not over-stylized, giving credence to the subject at hand.
The sound mixing and score are also well implemented here too. The music comes in and mixes perfectly with the right moments. Even the editing is well paced throughout, not feeling rushed in any scene.
Then of course there is the acting here as well, with brilliant turns from Mark Benton and Jamie Lee O’Donnell. They both add levity to their characters, and nothing feels forced here at all.
There is an amazing culmination of talent all coming together to make this an emotionally resonate short film. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety of any kind, this is a perfect film to watch. It captures what it means to struggle with it, and how it can look to overcome it.
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Cheers!
Daniel Hess
Film Festival and Award Highlights:
Cine City Brighton UK 2020
Nottingham International Film Festival 2020
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