Needs Must Short Film Review

★★★★

Directed by: #AlexCarr

Starring: #JoshEnnis, #AnthonyRoberts, #ShaunFagan

Short Film Review by: Alexandra James

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Needs Must is a short film which highlights the struggle of our conscience, from what is right but also what is moral. This short follows the character Darren played by Josh Ennis and his descent into the world of crime. Darren is a 30-something dad who is desperately trying to secure a life of health, happiness, and safety for his children. Even if this means putting his own life and future at risk.

Darren meets his two accomplices in a car park, a very fitting location which manifests a dicey vibe and is often associated with most crime genres. The two criminals Darren has come to meet fit the seedy profile society envisions for a couple of reprobates accurately. From their dark clothing to their physical presence and aggressive manner, which they use in order to intimidate Darren. The suit and tie combined with his innocent and nervy approach to the two men, only strengthens the fact that he should not be there or more evidently, that he does not belong there. Out of the two, Shaun Fagan is presented as the more no nonsense, ‘beat you to a pulp if you mess up’ kind of guy, he certainly can be seen as the ‘boss’ type in this job. His role carried excitement and action, so it would have been beneficial to delve more into his character and perhaps give more of an exposé into his background and life of crime.

Once a ‘plan’ was organised by the men, Fagan heads into the building ready to grab as much dosh as he can, whilst the others wait outside, and new guy Darren is given the job of getaway driver. This is when the story takes an unexpected turn in terms of character development. Darren at this point reveals the real reason he has turned to this new way of life, his children. The desperation and sorrow in his voice was obvious and made even his crook of a partner feel some form of empathy for him! This short portrays the battle between our heart and our head, and the fact that it comes down to what is most important to you in your life. In this case, it was Darren’s children who are his priority and are irreplaceable.

It was great to see that director Alex Carr used Liverpool as the central location, the vast buildings, dodgy alleys and dubious car parks helped to build the story and the grittiness which surrounds the characters. It’s always nice to see authenticity and rawness within cinema, to show the city unfiltered especially when filming genres such as crime or action. Needs Must was gripping and a moving short, it would have been fascinating to see this as a full-length film and witness the final fate for Darren!