Home » Drama » My Thoughts Exactly (2022) a short film by Mike Archibald
In his debut film, My Thoughts Exactly, Mike Archibald offers viewers a poignant and immersive glimpse into the lives of two queer men, Nav (Ishan Sandhu) and Raymond (Robert L. Duncan), as they navigate the complexity of their relationships and personal emotions. The film, though short in runtime, is rich in emotional depth, drawing the audience into a day marked by both struggle and serendipity.
At its core, My Thoughts Exactly is a film about choice and chance—about the small decisions that shape our lives and the unexpected events that alter our paths. The film invites the viewer to contemplate how everyday interactions and fleeting moments can change the course of our emotional journeys. In the span of one day, Nav and Raymond encounter grief, joy, uncertainty, and connection, underscoring the unpredictability of human experience.
The strength of this film lies in its subtle characterization. Ishan Sandhu as Nav and Robert L. Duncan as Raymond deliver understated yet powerful performances, bringing depth and vulnerability to their roles. Nav’s quiet introspection is juxtaposed against Raymond’s more externalized sense of loss, creating a dynamic emotional interplay that keeps the viewer invested. The film doesn’t over-explain; instead, it allows the characters’ emotions and interactions to speak for themselves, creating a layered portrayal of queer life and love.
One of the standout aspects of My Thoughts Exactly is the cinematography. Archibald’s collaboration with his cinematographer shines through in the film’s shot composition, especially in the nature scenes that punctuate the narrative. These moments of visual serenity offer a counterpoint to the more hectic urban scenes, reflecting the inner emotional states of the characters. Whether it’s the soft play of light on a forest trail or the sterile, claustrophobic confines of an office space, the film makes each frame count, echoing the themes of isolation and connection.
In interviews, Archibald has shared that the office interior scenes posed the greatest challenge during production. The logistical complexity of the shoot, paired with the pandemic’s disruptions, tested the endurance of the cast and crew. However, these challenges seem to have honed rather than hindered the film’s focus. The resulting scenes are both precise and emotionally resonant, highlighting Archibald’s ability to navigate real-world hurdles while maintaining his artistic vision.
What’s striking about My Thoughts Exactly is its ability to take personal experience—reportedly inspired by Archibald’s own brief stint as a telephone salesperson—and turn it into something universal. While the film is distinctly grounded in the lives of two queer men, its themes of loss, connection, and self-discovery are universally relatable. Archibald’s strength lies in his ability to take the specific and make it feel broad, inviting viewers of all backgrounds to find pieces of themselves in Nav and Raymond’s story.
With My Thoughts Exactly, Archibald has established himself as a filmmaker to watch. His ability to blend the literary with the visual, to craft stories that feel both intimate and expansive, suggests that his future projects will continue to explore new dimensions of human experience. As he moves on to developing his next short film and writing a feature script, audiences can look forward to more thought-provoking, emotionally rich narratives from this emerging talent.
