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Directed by Cris Haris
Starring Cris Haris and Mathilda Davies
Short Film Review by Jay Hussain
The Turnover focuses on an estranged individual named Dave (Cris Haris), who lives in Leeds (UK) and is going through some traumatic and emotional changes trying to understand what is happening to him and his situation.
We all as individuals have to overcome obstacles in life, some of whom may have it more difficult than others. This short film concentrates on the character going through multiple challenges in his life and expressing every type of human emotion possible. Throughout The Turnover we get to see Dave grappling with depression and loneliness, anger and confusion, pain and suffering, love and affection, and how he has been traumatised witnessing certain incidents regarding his family.
You do get the sense that the character may be suffering from schizophrenia or split personality (or some type of illness or amnesia) being that he is on medication. However, are these some of the side effects from the drugs or is it the cause of not taking any medications? Is he imagining all of this? Is this even reality or a dream? And how is he going to react to the outcome if he comes to realisation?
It's one of those narratives where the viewer can interpret and analyse the film in different ways, and that is what is fascinating about the way The Turnover was written (Trey Gledman) and directed (Haris). It's clever use of screenplay and narrated dialogue, the musical sound and score that resembles the movie Whiplash, which coincidently deals with similar issues, and maybe the director could have been inspired from that film.
Overall, the short is produced and directed in an unique, stylish way being filmed in black and white, the musical score suited the tone of the film and the cinematography from George Kravvaritis is very good. Although all the actors do a great job, Haris as Dave delivers an incredibly emotional performance, where you are connected and invested in the character from the beginning. The film is probably aimed at a particular demographic audience and it doesn’t have that re-watch-able factor. However, from the perspective of a film #maker or film critic, it’s creative and original with an interesting premise which will leave you wondering.
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