We are grateful to Mark Solter for his diligence in making submission of the film to the Film Festivals, principally those of North America and some Western European Festivals. The film received generally positive reviews across North American indie film publications, with consistent praise for:
- The cinematography and coastal New Zealand setting
- Lead performances by Blake and Crum
- Honest exploration of modern relationship struggles
- Visual storytelling about technology’s impact on intimacy
Film Threat (United States)
- Reviewer: Alan Ng
- Date: August 1, 2023
- Score: 7/10
- Key Points: Praised the film as “gorgeous” and noted the irony of being shot in beautiful New Zealand while exploring digital slavery. Highlighted the performances by Gloria Blake and Anthony Crum as “almost too good as the couple destined for failure.”
Indie Shorts Mag (International/North American indie film publication)
- Date: September 8, 2023
- Rating: 5.0/5.0 for Direction, Cinematography, Screenplay, Editing, Music
- Key Points: Called it a “37-minute examination of a relationship on its final legs.” Noted the innovative editing techniques and how the score “kicks in once things have fallen apart with finality and evokes shock and heartbreak.”
Take 2 Indie Review (North America)
- Reviewer: Mark Lakatos
- Score: 4/5
- Key Points: Described it as “a messy, uncomfortable, and brutally honest dissection of love that’s ever-fading.” Praise for the “purposefully crafted, slow-burner” pacing and the “haunting score by composer Norm Skipp.”
IndyRed (Indiana, USA)
- Reviewer: Jeremy Gladstone
- Date: August 2023
- Score: 4/5 stars
- Key Points: Emphasized the “sense of mystery, moodiness, and tension” and the “stunning use of imagery.” Called it “an extremely strong film built on clever direction, smart writing, highly relatable characters.”
The film appears to have had a particularly strong showing at Eastern European festivals, notably winning Best Editing at the Wallachia International Film Festival in Romania. The Sound Design category was a strength, with wins at both West Europe and North Europe International Film Festivals.
2022 Location Award/Recognition
West Europe International Film Festival Winner – Best Sound Design
North Europe International Film Festival Winner – Best Sound Design
Wallachia International Film Festival Romania Winner – Best Editing
Liverpool Underground Film Festival UK Nominated – Best Cinematography
2023
Galacticat -Mostra de Cinema Spain Nominated – Best Free Form Genre
Fancatic i de Terror de Ponent Short Film
2024
Golden State Film Festival USA Best Production Design, Short Film
Silicon Beach Festival Best Score, Short Film
Salt House Creative International Film Festival Best Directors & Best Short Film
Synergy Film Festival Best Short Film
Author’s International Film Festival Best Medium Length Film
Oil Valley Film Festival Best Director
Indie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival Nominated – Best Short film
Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Short Film
NYC International Film Festival Finalist
Blow Up Arthouse Filmfest Chicago Semi – Finalist