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I attended a screening of "The Replacement Child" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Written and directed by Justin Lerner, this 25-minute short is a morally complex coming-of-age tale which leaves more questions than it answers, one of my definitions of great film -- and art in general.Todd Turnbull (Travis Quentin Young) returns home after a stint in juvie for a horrible crime of violence. The fact that he appears sweet and thoughtful right from the opening scene is but the first dichotomy presented by the film. The viewer is challenged from the moment the film begins, literally, and in this manner Lerner's story continues on its compelling journey. Nobody welcomes Todd except his best friend, who lays dying in bed in a home where science and medicine are forbidden in favor of faith and prayer. Todd's feelings towards and obligations to his friend become the central dilemma at the heart of the film. Sacrifice for love is an eternal theme which, in the decision Todd is forced to make, leads to moral questions about life and death, literally.Soft, natural lighting and incredibly thoughtful composition enhance artistic value. Gospel music, including that of the great Sam Cooke, extends the irony. Lerner's direction, along with Phil Van's camera-work, have created a tension-filled work in a setting of beauty.Religious themes predominate, with echoes of "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" in its use of crosses and Christian iconic images in the presence of conflict and violence. Ironically, I had just seen "There Will Be Blood" and couldn't help noticing parallels in reliance on God's love even as internal hatred manifests itself in physical and emotional abuse of others.Like most shorts, "The Replacement Child" is unlikely to screen outside film festivals but is a fine showcase for an emerging filmmaker. It's a provocative piece which is worth seeking out and will leave you thinking about responsibility, the choices we make, and the question, "am I my brother's keeper?"
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