A SHORT FILM REVIEW - "FUCK" - 2021

 

                 FUCK 

A FILM REVIEW ON "FUCK"

https://youtu.be/JO1lriCv6kI?si=SEpt_6s8H4JUfc-R

Writer - Helen Simmons

Director - Danny Morgan

Duration: 9mins,48secs

CAST;

          Brett Goldstein as Adam

          Esther Smith as Sarah

The short film “Fuck” isn’t just a rare piece of cinema—it’s a brutally honest reflection of what many couples face in the early stages of parenting. From the very beginning, it made me feel both reflective and emotionally involved. The story portrays the quiet struggles couples often go through, particularly when a newborn enters the picture. It highlights the emotional distance that can grow between two people who once shared intimacy and connection, now disrupted by exhaustion and constant responsibility.

From the first scene, the film pulls you in. There’s a kind of mystery to it—a mix of joy, urgency, and tension—that makes you curious about what’s really going on beneath the surface. As the narrative unfolds, we learn that the couple, portrayed with incredible realism, is trying to find a moment of intimacy, to reconnect physically and emotionally. However, their efforts are repeatedly interrupted by their newborn baby’s cries, demands, and unpredictability. What starts as a seemingly light and romantic setup slowly unravels into a more emotional, revealing story about love, pressure, and the emotional toll of early parenthood.

From my perspective, the film does an excellent job reflecting the real experiences of new parents. It subtly teaches the audience what to expect when a baby enters the relationship—not just diapers and sleepless nights, but emotional strain, fading intimacy, and the need for understanding. What makes the story even more powerful is that despite the frustration, there's still deep affection between the couple. Their relationship might be tested, but love and support still remain. It’s a reminder that even when things fall apart emotionally or physically, what keeps couples going is patience and empathy.

The characters are incredibly believable. The performances are intimate and natural, especially the woman, who emotionally stood out. She voices what many mothers might feel but never say out loud—the feeling of being overwhelmed, emotionally invisible, and exhausted. Her outburst was not just a dramatic moment but a truthful cry for connection and appreciation. The father, though less expressive, plays a vital role in showing a quieter kind of support, attempting to keep things calm and steady.

Cinematographically, the film is very simple—but that simplicity works perfectly. The use of handheld camera movements and close-up shots brings us closer to the characters, allowing us to feel their tension and sadness. The focus on facial expressions, especially during moments of vulnerability, enhances the emotional realism of the film. The lighting also deserves praise—it’s soft and natural, giving a cozy, homely feel that contrasts with the tension in the room. That contrast makes the struggles feel even more personal and familiar.

There isn’t much music in the film, but that silence works to its advantage. The absence of a strong musical score allows the dialogue, background sounds, and raw emotions to take center stage. You can clearly hear everything: the baby’s cries, the tired voices, the hesitant conversations. This realistic soundscape creates a powerful sense of immersion. While I would’ve appreciated a memorable musical piece to carry away, I found myself so emotionally drawn in that I didn’t miss it much.

Overall, “Fuck” is a beautiful, honest, and emotionally rich film. It balances humor and heartbreak in just a few minutes—something that’s not easy to pull off. Its strength lies in its relatability, its raw performances, and its emotional depth. The only real weakness is the short runtime—I was left wanting more closure, more background, or maybe even a follow-up.

This film made me laugh, reflect, and feel hopeful all at once. It’s a film I would highly recommend, especially to couples and new parents. It doesn’t offer solutions or happy endings, but it offers understanding—and sometimes, that’s enough. “Fuck” teaches us that parenting isn’t just about the child; it’s also about navigating love, exhaustion, and finding each other again—even in the middle of chaos.

_STORY_

The short film “Fuck” tells the deeply relatable story of a couple, Adam and Sarah, who are struggling to reconnect after the birth of their baby. At the beginning of the film, we immediately sense the emotional exhaustion and stress they’re experiencing. They haven’t had sex in eight months, and they hope to finally share an intimate moment. However, their plans are constantly interrupted by the demands of parenting and their own emotional strain.

From the opening scene, we see how tired and overwhelmed both Adam and Sarah are. Their desire for intimacy is not just about physical connection—it’s about trying to feel close again after months of feeling like co-parents rather than romantic partners. But as soon as they begin to make time for each other, their baby cries. This moment, repeated throughout the film, symbolizes the ongoing tension between their personal needs and their responsibilities as new parents.

As the film progresses, the couple keeps trying to find that spark, but nothing seems to work. They are both insecure—Sarah feels emotionally neglected and physically drained, while Adam seems unsure how to support her without making things worse. The constant interruptions by their baby, their physical tiredness, and unspoken frustrations all build up, making it difficult for them to relax or feel connected. Their attempt at intimacy turns into a moment of emotional unraveling.

However, instead of pulling apart, they begin to open up. Sarah expresses how overwhelmed and unseen she feels. Adam listens, and in this vulnerable exchange, something powerful happens—they begin to truly understand each other. They laugh at the absurdity of their situation, acknowledge their shared exhaustion, and slowly rediscover their emotional bond. While they never actually have sex that night, they achieve something deeper: emotional intimacy and renewed connection.

By the end of the film, the couple is shown hugging and laughing. Their love hasn’t disappeared; it’s just been buried under layers of tiredness and stress. The film leaves us with a hopeful message—that even when life gets messy, love can survive through communication, patience, and emotional support.

 The protagonists are clearly Adam and Sarah. They are the emotional core of the story—flawed, human, and incredibly relatable. They represent real-life couples trying to navigate parenthood without losing each other. Interestingly, the antagonist of the film is not a person but the baby, or more accurately, the new reality of parenting. The baby becomes a symbol of the obstacles that stand between them and their former life—sleep, sex, peace, and quiet. But this isn’t done in a negative or blaming way; rather, it highlights how new parents must learn to adapt, grow, and find new ways to connect.

The film’s strength lies in its realism. It doesn’t offer easy solutions or perfect endings. Instead, it shows how relationships evolve under pressure. It’s not just a film about sex—it’s about intimacy, trust, and the emotional labor that keeps love alive even in the hardest moments.

Reviewed by Quarm Albert 

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