This 14 minute tale about an estranged son visiting his quietly grieving father and playing a game of backgammon beside the urn containing his mother's ashes is not exactly a barrel of laughs. However, 'House of Donn' (a very clever title!) delivers quite a complex story using little dialogue but many meaningful looks and gestures. Within several minutes we learn a lot about both men, but also many unanswered questions are raised regarding their family history. In this era of 'pulp TV', this is by no means a bad thing. We need to watch mentally stimulating and original work and 'House of Donn' is certainly both of these. I for one was left wanting more! I haven't come across Ben Shockley before, but he is very watchable and believable as the son. Ken Colley on the other hand is an old pro, who can say a lot by just raising an eyebrow - his acting always delights! This very professional looking short is Andy Coughlan's second venture as write/director and he definitely impresses. A filmmaker to keep an eye on methinks.
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