.png)
Directed by Connor O’Hara
Starring George Mackay, Elliot James Langridge, Rory J. Saper & Alex Esmail
Short film review by Kurran Sohanta
Infinite is a heart-warming short British film by independent company Lowkey Films, centred around a group of male friends as they come together to make memories of their dying friend ‘Infinite’. The immediate impact of the slow strumming of the guitar in the opening scene, coupled with the sepia-toned lighting of a fire, creates a rather poignant and emotional mood for the viewer. Director Connor O’hara draws on personal life experiences to create a truly honest and powerful short film which is the biggest project for the Surrey-based film company yet, requiring a crew of over 70 people, including three time Oscar winner, Peter Young.
The young cast are terrifically led by BAFTA nominated George Mackay (Pride, 2014), who portrays a terminally ill young man with an incredibly uplifting, heartfelt performance. This coming-of-age drama follows the story of five friends who fulfil the wish of their dying friend (George Mackay) by planning to burn specially chosen items on a fire to make memories attached to the items ever-lasting for them all in some sort of ritual. From here, we learn of the wonderfully refreshing take on dealing with the sensitive subject of death by a 21-year-old, who has a surprisingly positive attitude towards life-changing news. The casting is impeccable as the tangible chemistry between the group captures the strength of friendship in the face of adversity. The exchange between Digs (Elliot James Langridge) and their dying friend when they discuss his unusually optimistic outlook, conveys a powerful message of living life to the full and “realising what actually matters” which is particularly moving.
What is noteworthy is that Infinite doesn’t feel like a short film. What director O’hara and the writers have done here, is to create such a meaningful narrative, that it completely reshapes the scarily terrifying notion of death into an opportunistic and door-opening experience post credits, which is a rarity. This short film tugs at the heartstrings in such a way that you can’t help but feel an abundance of warmth from the characters. Death is certain, but what matters is how you choose to experience life that precedes it.
.png)
Comments