#basicBAES Review

#basicBAES is a 2018 short film directed by Dennis Alexander Nicholson with writing from Ivana Kingston, Holly Wyder, and Kelly Taylor.

A smart and reflective look on the social media obsession, that we all carry with us all too often in today’s world, #BasicBaes provides a story that moves at a steady pace and understands the story it wants to tell from start to finish.

It is hard to live a single day without playing on social media in some form. To all those who manage to avoid the platforms and temptations, much-deserved kudos goes out to you. For the rest of us, however, it is just another part of the daily routine.

Pulling back the curtain of what we post online against what life is really like, this short film eases us into the struggles of our three main characters. In only 12 minutes we are easily given clear motivations for everyone in the story and have a sense of empathy for what they are trying to get out of life.

This all leads to a very satisfying conclusion that ends on a high note, even if it is one where we can easily see how the system of social media keeps us engaged no matter what.

On a technical level there are many great things to say about the piece. The cinematography from Jack Yan Chen is done very well, conjuring up feelings of a really well produced SNL digital short. The music from Jordan Allen and Dennis Nicholson has a wonderfully retro 80s synth style to it, that brings to mind the work of musician Robyn throughout. Last, the sound mixing from Peter Hushcha, Gus Harris, and James Belyea is perfectly maintained in the film’s entirety.

The acting too is really strong, with everyone feeling perfectly suited to their characters. All three leads are great with Kelly Taylor especially committing to her lovingly cringe inducing brand ambassador role perfectly.

For any 20 something #BasicBaes is an easy and fun film to recommend. It provides a nice and poignant story with strong production values throughout. Treading the ground of social media commentary is nothing new but the light hearted delivery and great attention to the characters around the platforms makes for a nicely balanced short through and through.

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

Film Festival and Award Highlights:

CineMuskoka 2018 – Best of the Fest

Bare Bones International Independent Film & Music Festival 2019 – Winner Best Micro Short Comedy & Nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Short Holy Wyder

Hollywood North Film Awards 2019 – Winner Best Supporting Performance Ivana Kingston, Winner Best Editing, and Winner Best Costume Design

Central Florida Film Festival 2019 – Official Selection

Florida Comedy Film Festival 2020 – Winner Best of Next Award

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