The Heritage Review

The Heritage is a 2021 short film directed by Drayze Laraye.

A modern day look at the racial inequality that exists in America even to this day. The Heritage tells a thought-provoking story with strong visuals to showcase it all.

While the direction the story is going in once the cards are on the table isn’t all that surprising, it does still exist as a dark reminder of how color divides can still occur in this country.

There is a powerful influence from films like Get Out showcased in this production with visuals and framing that really keeps the movement fresh without overstaying its welcome. One important note in this same vein is the editing, which is paced out very well throughout the film.

The one section that gets a little too heavy-handed is in the sound design, which mostly heightens the action but with the over the top in some spots police sirens and swat team structure it just feels as if it needs to be toned down a pinch. With all the noises being thrown our way, it is easy to expect more people overtaking the apartment, but when this doesn’t happen, it feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.

The heavy use of language too comes across a touch cheap for the characters despite the heavy predicament they are in. The ending as well while poignant, feels a little over the top, but major kudos for not shying away from the subject matter either. It is also a large scene in a short film which rarely happens.

The Heritage has a great message which in today’s world is more important than ever. The strokes of horror, drama, and sense of character we get in the piece is a testament to strong filmmaking.

To follow on social media: Director Instagram and Production Instagram

Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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