Oscillate Review

Oscillate is a 2021 short film written and directed by Jeremy Vella.

A film about rediscovering your artistic roots and love, especially that of the musical variety, Oscillate is a smart contemplation on the transcendent happiness music can bring.

One of the greatest strengths of this short film is the utter focus on a simple narrative this film takes. It is clean and here to tell the story of one man and his musical journey on this on particular day.

Through this clear focus we can understand the plight that follows and carry that journey in ourselves alongside him.

Inevitably a comparison will be drawn between this short and the film The Sound of Metal, which is sure to come up in any viewing. Of course, one being a feature film explores a much deeper concept naturally as it is a much longer film.

Safe to say though, this film is clearly distinct but given the short run time captures an amazing sound mix that is on par with what you have in the aforementioned feature film. It is quite an auditory achievement, to say the least.

The visuals on display are clear and crisp. At one point it seems like there is a bit of a color tone shift from warmer to cooler, which may be intentional for story reasons, but it seemed worth mentioning here. The only other spot of notice technically was the tinnier dialogue recording at the beginning of the short. Nothing bad, but just seemed to lack a little polish.

However, all that aside, this film certainly nails what it is trying to say and really draws you in very effectively.

Oscillate is one that will make feel an ever-deeper appreciation for music and the creation of it and by journey’s end will leave you with a smile on your face. It has an obvious goal which it effectively achieves, and for that it is a joy to experience.

To follow on social media: Jeremy Vella and Ben Bailey

Cheers!

Daniel Hess

Film Festival and Award Highlights:

New York Flash Film Festival

Hong Kong Indie Film Festival

Rome Independent Film Awards

London International Monthly Film Festival

Finalist – Anatolian Kisa Film Festivali

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