Rock Paper Scissors

Intense and unnerving, 2024 short film Rock, Paper, Scissors is based on the true story of Ivan (Oleksandr Rudynskyi) who helped his father (Sergey Kalantay) run a makeshift hospital during the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. After their plans to move the hospital go awry thanks to their getaway transport being bombed by a Russian aircraft, their peril increases when a group of Russian soldiers are seen scouring the hill looking for their bunker. Ivan, who has made the decision to take on the soldiers after an impromptu sniper rifle lesson from one of the patients, finds himself in over his head when the original estimate of two Russian soldiers turns out to be disastrously incorrect.

Fiercely filmed and absolutely devastating to watch, Rock, Paper, Scissors is an incredible war film. The director, Franz Böhm, knows exactly how to arrest his viewers and by the final scenes of the movie the atmosphere he creates is like a stranglehold on the audience.

There are numerous aspects of the filmmaking used to unsettle us, from the emotional plea from one of the hospital’s children to Ivan to play another game of the titular Rock, Paper, Scissors, to the stark colour contrast of Ivan’s orange sniper rifle against the dull grey rock of the mountainside. The use of the sniper rifle’s scope as a frame for us to witness the oncoming of the soldiers is an effective, if familiar, one. Locations are also brilliantly used, the bunker feels warm if claustrophobic, heightening the sense of the peril those inside face, whilst Ivan’s contrasting venture outside feels stark, cold, and lifeless. It’s one of those short films honed to perfection.

Oleksandr Rudynskyi’s lead performance as Ivan is a showstopper. His panic and concern is palpable, as is his distressed heroism. Navigating this type of role and being able to deliver at such high stakes is commendable and awards-worthy. The supporting cast are also a talented ensemble, particularly the Russian soldiers who give off a distinct air of menace.

Movies that emerge about a war whilst the conflict is still ongoing are always brave. To serve the memory of someone like Ivan through this short film is a noble pursuit and everyone can breathe a sigh of relief that this film is worthy. Audiences will undoubtedly fully engage with the story and be left completely moved by his deeds, especially at such a young age. Fans of the war genre can rest assured this is most definitely worth their time and Böhm as a director is a filmmaker to watch out for.

Watch our Video Film Review of Rock, Paper, Scissors on our YouTube channel.