Film review "still Wylde"

 A FILM REVIEW BY: GLORIA OBENG 

(BFATP28012)

Film Review Essay: Still Wylde (2020)

Directed by Ingrid Haas

Still Wylde, a short film directed by Ingrid Haas, is a refreshingly honest and offbeat portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, relationships, and identity. From the moment it begins, the film grabs my attention with its sharp dialogue, quirky humor, and emotionally layered performances. The storytelling is immediate and engaging, never taking too long to develop, and it maintains a balanced rhythm between comedy and vulnerability throughout its short runtime.The story follows a couple dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, with reactions and emotions that are far from cliché. Without giving away too much, the film navigates the couple's conflicting responses and what unfolds is a deeply human and relatable journey. It's not simply about pregnancy—it's about uncertainty, communication, and the fragility of relationships.The central message of Still Wylde appears to be that life and love rarely go according to plan, and that even in moments of chaos, humor and honesty can provide healing. It tackles themes like choice, control, and emotional maturity in a way that feels modern, grounded, and highly relevant. There are a few surprises in the film, especially in how the couple chooses to deal with their situation. These twists aren't dramatic or shocking in a cinematic sense, but they are unexpected in how realistically awkward and messy they are—true to life, rather than scripted tropes.The characters, especially the lead portrayed by Ingrid Haas herself, are well-developed and fully believable. Haas brings a unique charisma to her role—quirky, raw, and emotionally exposed. Her performance stands out as both comedic and deeply moving. George, the partner, plays more of a counterbalance—his calm, slightly confused demeanor adds contrast to Haas's character’s emotional swings. Together, their chemistry is authentic and full of tension, yet their relationship feels lived-in and real.The cinematography is intimate and well-considered. The use of close-up shots helps the audience feel the characters' emotional weight, while wide framing during key moments subtly highlights the growing emotional distance or confusion between the couple. One particularly standout visual is a scene in the bathtub—subdued lighting, soft shadows, and framing that reflects isolation and vulnerability, all while delivering dark humor.Colour and lighting choices throughout the film effectively support the storytelling. Muted tones dominate the palette, mirroring the characters' inner turmoil. There's an overcast quality to the visuals that enhances the mood—nothing feels too polished or overly styled, and that rawness works well for the story’s tone.The soundtrack and sound design also contribute to the emotional impact. The music is understated yet powerful, enhancing the mood without overpowering the performances. The dialogue is crisp and clear, which is crucial given the film’s heavy reliance on conversational tone and emotional nuance. There’s a subtlety to the score that lingers after the film ends, reinforcing the emotional questions raised throughout.Overall, Still Wylde exceeded my expectations. Its greatest strength lies in its emotional honesty and its ability to make you laugh while simultaneously confronting serious personal issues. The performances are excellent, the characters compelling, and the direction confident and nuanced. If there’s any weakness, it might be that the film ends just as it feels like it’s about to open up even more—but that’s also part of its charm. It leaves you wanting to spend more time with these characters and understand what happens next.The film evoked strong emotional reactions—ranging from amusement to a deep empathy for the confusion and emotional struggle of its lead character. It’s the kind of short film that stays with you long after the credits roll.I would absolutely recommend Still Wylde to others. It's a brilliant, brave, and hilariously human take on modern womanhood and partnership. For anyone who's ever faced an unexpected fork in the road of life, this film will feel both familiar and refreshing.Overall Impact: Still Wylde is a powerful, poignant, and playful exploration of how we cope when life surprises us. It’s funny, sad, and smart all at once—an impressive feat for a short film.

Beginning

The film opens with Ingrid (played by Ingrid Haas) in a vulnerable moment—sitting on the toilet taking a pregnancy test. Right from the start, we’re thrown into her emotional world as she discovers she's pregnant. She then calls her partner, George, to share the news. Their conversation is dry, awkward, and filled with subtle tension, which sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Shots and cinematic techniques used:Medium close-up shots are used in the bathroom scene to show Ingrid’s facial expressions and capture her emotional reaction—both confusion and disbelief.Over-the-shoulder shots during the phone call create intimacy and help us feel like we’re part of the conversation.The use of natural lighting gives the scene a grounded and realistic feel. The visuals aren’t glossy—they reflect the uncomfortable reality of the moment.Handheld camera work gives the scene a slightly shaky, raw feeling, emphasizing the instability and emotional discomfort of the situation.

Middle

The middle of the film explores the couple’s attempt to navigate their feelings about the pregnancy. They go out for a walk, have awkward silences, and try to talk things through—though communication breaks down often. There’s a strong focus on their differences in how each of them processes the situation. The film cleverly balances humor and emotional tension here, showing moments of absurdity and quiet reflection.

Shots and cinematic techniques used:Wide shots during the walk scenes show the physical space between the characters, symbolizing the emotional distance between them.Two-shots (both characters in one frame) are used when they talk, emphasizing their uncomfortable closeness and attempts to connect.There are a few static shots where the camera doesn't move, forcing the audience to sit in the awkwardness with the characters.The use of muted color grading continues, helping to maintain the somber and contemplative mood.At one point, there is a bathtub scene where Ingrid is submerged in water—a high-angle shot is used here to make her look small and overwhelmed, visually representing her mental state.

End

Toward the end, the couple reaches a moment of emotional honesty. they share a moment of sadness , but seemingly a little more in sync. It’s not a resolution, but a small moment of connection. The final scene shows Ingrid standing alone, facing a new chapter of her life, still unsure but perhaps a bit stronger.

Shots and cinematic techniques used:The bed scene uses close-ups and soft lighting to convey warmth and intimacy, showing a contrast to earlier emotional distance.The final shots are still and quiet, giving space for reflection.The use of framing in the final shot—Ingrid alone, slightly off-center—visually suggests that while she is not entirely whole or certain, she is still standing.There’s a noticeable lack of dramatic music, which makes the ending feel more real and introspective. The film closes not with a dramatic conclusion, but with quiet honesty

Story Narration of "Still Wylde"

Still Wylde is a short, emotionally charged film that explores a very personal moment in a woman’s life—unexpected pregnancy—and the ripple effects it has on her relationship and identity.The story begins with Ingrid, a young woman, discovering she is pregnant. We meet her in a very private and raw moment, sitting on the toilet, taking a pregnancy test. Her reaction isn’t one of immediate joy or sadness—it’s complex, confused, and layered. This sets the tone for the rest of the film. She calls her boyfriend, George, to break the news. Their conversation is stilted, awkward, and full of pauses, showing us that this couple might not be on the same page emotionally or mentally.As the film unfolds, we follow Ingrid and George through a series of quiet, sometimes humorous, sometimes tense moments as they try to process what the pregnancy means for them. They walk, they talk, they sit in silence. Ingrid fluctuates between sarcasm and sincerity, while George remains distant, calm, and hard to read. They clearly care about each other, but they’re also both stuck—emotionally, mentally, and in terms of decision-making.

Character Analysis

Protagonist: Ingrid (played by Ingrid Haas)Ingrid is the heart and soul of the film. She is the one going through the unexpected pregnancy, and we see the world through her eyes. She is smart, witty, vulnerable, and often sarcastic as a way to cope with the uncertainty she feels. The film explores her emotional landscape—the confusion, the fear, the need for support, and the search for control. Her inner conflict drives the narrative, making her the clear protagonist.

Antagonist: The Situation (Not a Person)Still Wylde doesn’t have a traditional villain. Instead, the antagonist is the situation itself—the unexpected pregnancy, the miscommunication between the couple, the emotional imbalance, and societal expectations. It’s the pressure, the uncertainty, and the emotional weight that work against Ingrid and George. In a way, Ingrid’s own inner conflict—between independence and partnership, control and surrender—is also part of the antagonistic force.

George (played by George Aivaliotis)George is Ingrid’s boyfriend. He is calm, understated, and emotionally reserved. He doesn’t react dramatically to the pregnancy, which frustrates Ingrid and creates a quiet emotional gap between them. His emotional silence makes the situation more difficult for Ingrid, even if he isn’t trying to hurt her. He represents a kind of passive partner—not cruel or malicious, but not actively supportive either. His character serves as a mirror for Ingrid’s needs, doubts, and frustrations.

Supporting Characters

There are no major supporting characters in the film aside from Ingrid and George. The focus is tight, intimate, and entirely centered on their relationship. This minimalist approach allows for deep emotional focus without distraction.

Beginning

The film opens with Ingrid sitting on a toilet, taking a pregnancy test. The setting is quiet and intimate. Her reaction is not one of clear joy or fear, but a mix of shock, sarcasm, and emotional confusion. She calls her boyfriend George to tell him the news. Their conversation is awkward, filled with pauses, subtle tension, and miscommunication, immediately hinting at emotional distance in their relationship.

Inciting Incident

Ingrid finds out she is unexpectedly pregnant. This discovery sets the entire story into motion, forcing both her and George to confront their feelings about the pregnancy, their future together, and the nature of their relationship. It's clear neither of them was ready for this moment.

Conflict

The main conflict is emotional and relational—Ingrid and George struggle to communicate and process the news. Ingrid feels vulnerable, unsure, and possibly unsupported, while George remains emotionally distant and neutral. Their inability to connect honestly leads to internal and interpersonal tension. Ingrid is caught between wanting emotional support and needing space to figure things out, while George seems passive and emotionally withdrawn.

Climax

The emotional peak occurs in a quiet moment between the couple in bed. They are lying next to each other, not saying much, but physically close. There is a moment of tenderness and vulnerability—no dramatic change happens, but this is the closest they come to reconnecting. It’s an emotional climax, not a narrative one, where the tension softens and they share a small, meaningful connection.

Resolution

The film ends with Ingrid standing alone, thoughtful and contemplative. There is no clear resolution in terms of whether she will keep the pregnancy or what will happen to their relationship. However, there is an emotional shift—Ingrid appears more self-assured, or at least more accepting of the uncertainty. The film closes on this quiet, unresolved note, allowing the audience to sit with the complexity of the moment

Theme

The central theme of Still Wylde is the emotional complexity of unexpected life changes, particularly around pregnancy, relationships, and identity. It explores how people respond differently to shock, how communication (or lack of it) can strain love, and how women often carry the emotional burden in such situations. The film also touches on vulnerability, autonomy, emotional honesty, and the difficulty of navigating life’s big decisions when no one has clear answers.