Flying

A short drama written and directed by Jack Stockley and starring Rebecca Baker, Cohen Rowland, Josh Beckman and Harrison Metcalf.

A mother-and-son story. This film tenderly explores the relationship between a woman (Baker) and her son. During its three-minute duration, the screenplay begins with the woman and her teenaged son (Rowland) sitting together in their garden, having a drink. The mother then proceeds to ask her boy what kind of superpower would he like to have, leading to a light-hearted conversation about having superpowers, until she reveals what power she would want. The film then swiftly moves forward in time, with the now grown-up son (Beckman) performing a special act for his mother, along with his son (Metcalf).

A three-minute-long film that manages to be very dramatic during its short duration, telling a story that is poignant but heart-warming. The first two minutes or so focus on exploring the characters (mother and son) and the loving relationship they have between them, with a conversation about having superpowers and being wealthy, before ending with the woman telling her boy her desired superpower, which leads to the second part, where her son is now a parent himself and his mother's wanted power takes a different meaning. When her wish is (in certain ways) honoured, it makes for a very powerful and moving moment. From start to finish, the narrative is accompanied by a dramatic and mesmerising score, created thanks to the work of composer Tom Rackham and Rosie Langley, who adds wonderful melodies with the violin and viola. In addition to writing a strong script, Stockley also excels with the directing, developing some superb shots of landscapes.

Does this short have any flaws? The acting is outstanding, the music is terrific and the screenplay is very direct regarding the themes that it explores. With these in mind, there are no sugmgested issed improvements.

All four protagonists play their part very convincingly. Concentrating on the first part, with the woman and her young son, Baker and Rowland effectively create a strong and friendly mother-and-son bond, where the mother is trying to communicate something significant to her child. Then, in the second part, many years later, Beckman and Metcalf are father-and-son, their loving relationship evident and so is the father's understanding of his mother's wish.

Stockley made this film as an homage to his late mother and motherhood is a major theme in this short, as is mother-and-son and father-and-son relationships and parenthood. Loss is also explored heavily, along with the impact people can have on others that remains with them after they are gone.

Stockley has created a powerful film that deserves a great deal of commendations. It will most likely move the viewer and encourage them to cherish their loved ones.