In 1995, Jonah is proud to be the loner at the teen mental health clinic. But when a new patient, Richard, is admitted and the boys are forced to share a room, Jonah finds himself forming a connection despite himself. But will their bond be strong enough to protect them from the darklings that hide in the night shadows?
The Last Time I Saw Richard (2014)
Sometimes you see a film so wonderful, you can’t wait to share it with everyone you know. Written and directed by award-winning Australian director Nicholas Verso, The Last Time I Saw Richard (prequel to the upcoming full length, The Boys in The Trees) is the best short film I’ve seen lately.
Jonah (Toby Wallace) is an antisocial, self-harming teenager at a mental health clinic in 1995. When his new roommate, Richard (Cody Fern) arrives, Jonah struggles to make a connection with him. Jonah suffers from haunting nightmares and a friendship develops when he discovers Richard experiences them, too. Terror ensues when Jonah is able to see into Richard’s bad dreams.
For a short 20 minute run time, The Last Time I Saw Richard is complex. It explores mental health in a very real, very scary way. Verso explores male friendship, the sensitivities within an emotional bond, and the beginning of a deeper relationship. The film is dark but the true fear lies within the characters trying to control their own demons.
The Last Time I Saw Richard boasts incredible production value. Visually, the film is imaginative and stunning, while surprisingly minimalist for its subject matter. The true standout piece from this film, though, is the on screen relationship between the actors. Toby Wallace and Cody Fern bounce off each other with ease. Their characters’ relationship almost crosses a romantic border and I wanted to see more of that, and them, which is always a positive sign for an effective short film.
Boys on Film 11:
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