LA -based filmmaker Ellie Wen is in a car accident, and is on a call with her mother some time afterwards; Ellie is in a bit of a creative block, so decides to 'interview' her mum on tape over the phone in an attempt to get something going. The result is this surprisingly affecting documentary which is mostly old home-movie footage playing out under the telephone conversation. In it they discuss the changing nature of their relationship, and how it was affected by specific actions of the mother. It is a very specific discussion, but it engages, moves, and also speaks to wider mother/daughter relationships and their change over time.
The approach here is nothing earth-shattering; lots of short filmmakers do this self-reflection thing, or do something focused on their own family, and mostly they use old footage as their base. So on that level the film doesn't really stand out, but the heart of it does. It is very personal, and seems very natural in the emotion and interaction of the mother and daughter. I'm sure there was a consciousness of being recorded, but it can't have lasted long – in particular Ellie's end of the call (also on camera) doesn't strike me as anything other than genuine.
It may not break molds or stand out as something exciting and new, but the intimacy and insight within the film make it one that will engage and stick with the viewer.
The approach here is nothing earth-shattering; lots of short filmmakers do this self-reflection thing, or do something focused on their own family, and mostly they use old footage as their base. So on that level the film doesn't really stand out, but the heart of it does. It is very personal, and seems very natural in the emotion and interaction of the mother and daughter. I'm sure there was a consciousness of being recorded, but it can't have lasted long – in particular Ellie's end of the call (also on camera) doesn't strike me as anything other than genuine.
It may not break molds or stand out as something exciting and new, but the intimacy and insight within the film make it one that will engage and stick with the viewer.
