Class Review

Class is a 2021 short film written and directed by Matthew Summer.

A short film that provides a strong sense of character motivation in depth driven from desperation; Class is a film that will leave you with a sense of unresolved anticipation in the best way possible.

This is a film where the slow build means everything, and the ending is a bold choice that really works effectively. It is a slow burn in some respects, but it uses this sense of pacing to make you feel nervously excited for what is coming next, even if the rollercoaster ride stops at the top of the hill without ever letting you enjoy the drop.

In under five minutes we clearly see who these characters are and what kind of hardship they face in the world. They work hard but never move up in their fortunes; they are in an awful place, seeking a way out.

Harriet Ghost and Mickey McGregor, both give us brilliant performances in the piece. They embody that everyman sensibility well and deliver their lines with a sense of compassion.

The cinematography from Max Paterson does a good job here, providing a clear image in each frame with balanced tones.

Having a piece that provides only an auditory context at its conclusion was a delicate touch to achieve, and while we could perceive this to a possible budgetary constraint, the quality of the sound mixing is superb. We get no true resolution here, and it only makes us want more.

Class is a great showcase for smart, low budget sensibilities that tell an effective story. Summer and his team have crafted something that carries a lot of soul to it. Even with a few lines of dialogue that may come across as a bit forced near the end, this is not enough to deter what is a solid bit of filmmaking.

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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