The Mix

A short tense thriller written and directed by Christian La Morte and starring Sophia Lucia Parola, Thomas Philip O'Neill, Brandice Peltier and Grant Neale.

A podcast is taking place and many people disapprove. An IQ-enhancing serum has been developed and clinical psychologist Dr. Janet Weddley (Peltier) is promoting it. The serum is widely disliked by the public and Weddley is now in a recording studio, doing a live podcast with host Sean Palermo (O'Neill) for his show Palermo's Perspectives. Joining them is sociologist Professor Clive Mason Jr. (Neale) and the three of them informally discuss the serum during the podcast. Meanwhile, the show's producer and Sean's partner, Becca (Parola) is observing through her laptop people's dramatic reactions regarding the podcast and fears that if the podcast continues, things might go terribly wrong.

This short has quite an intriguing plot: a podcast taking place that is causing a massive uproar. The screenplay basically alternates between the podcast, with the host and the two guests having their friendly discussion and Becca, who is realising that the show is making everyone furious, with people expressing their anger towards Weddley online and protesting for the podcast to be cancelled. The tension rises and rises as Sean ignores Becca's pleas for him to stop the show. The performances are top-notch, the story is interesting and the technical aspects of the film are of great quality, be it the dynamic music by Benjamin Doherty, the moody cinematography by Anthony Altamura or the creative editing.

There are several montage sequences throughout, which create tension and drama by depicting the chaos that is unfolding outside the studio, because of the podcast. These sequences are expertly created, with effective use of superimposition, however, it could be argued that they are a bit overused, appearing too much throughout the film.

As mentioned, the acting is excellent, with the main cast very convincing in their roles. O'Neill's part is that of an experienced podcaster who is quite dedicated to his job. Peltier is an ambitious psychologist, while Neale is a sociologist with a childish behaviour. These three characters are oblivious to the potential danger that might be arriving due to the podcast, unlike Becca, who seems to be sensible and vigilant.

This short explores ways in which people communicate their perspectives in today's world, that being through the internet and the services that it contains. It provides an insight into the world of podcasts and it is a commentary about social media and how people utilise them in order to spread their messages and influence people. Technology aside, the film also looks into ignorance and public anger.

This film can be appreciated both as a thriller with an interesting plot and for the themes that it deals with that are mentioned above. Overall, this is a very-well-made short that offers a tense experience and also a thoughtful one.