You Wouldn't Understand

A bright, sunny day. A peaceful green field shaded at the edges by mature trees. It's the perfect spot for a picnic, a place you might want to return to over and over again. Unless...

Trish Harnetiaux's simply but punchy little film combines the remembered bliss of perfect summer days with the awkwardness of unexpected confrontation, and just a little bit of science fiction. Anthony Arkin is perfectly cast in the lead as a relaxed, self-contained man who seems to want nothing more out of life than to relax with a book and some sandwiches and fruit. He's impeccably costumed, showing us both his comfortable background and his casual attitude, whilst Arkin's gives him a gentle nature and vague sense of befuddlement that's instantly endearing. When, following some strange goings-on behind a bush, a stranger approaches him from across the field, we are instantly concerned for his well-being, Harnetiaux's direction and Eleonore Oppenheim's score cuing us up to expect a threat, though quite what form it will take is not easy to guess.

For a nine minute film, this packs in a good number of twists, not easy to predict. It's right at home at Fantasia 2020 - a simple idea but very nicely executed. John Gebhart's dreamy cinematography provides the final touch. Neatly capturing a moment in time, this handsomely crafted short is a great calling card for all involved.