FANTASTIC SHORTS I
Relationships are tricky. They are the ties that bind us to our loved ones and the connective tissue to the world we inhabit, but they can easily warp into something toxic and threatening. In a cut-throat, gender-biased workplace, professional rivalry can push you to extremes. Intense attraction can turn into objectification and, sometimes, the line between fear of commitment, forced friendship, and undying love is so fine that it evaporates like water in the blazing sun. Young love can be stifled before it blossoms, especially in a world where our relation to nature becomes more dystopian by the day. Relationships are tricky, especially at SLASH.
Since Marie joined Bruno Mercier’s restaurant, a multi-star chef, she only thinks to perfect her skills. During service, Mary cuts herself, letting a few drops of blood mix with her sauce. When Bruno tastes Marie’s dish, he considers it perfect.
During an extreme heat wave, a shy girl seeks refuge in an ice cream shop. But when she looks into the eyes of the charming vendor, she suddenly is on thin ice.
Kerry is at a sleepover with the socially awkward, mysteriously orphaned heiress Katie. Friendship – in a society that grows ever isolating – is explored as Kerry learns the hard way that Katie always gets what she wants.
A man leaves his wife for a beautiful, young woman. When he moves in with her, it soon appears that she is not the person he expected. Suddenly, his life breaks into a nightmare.
Maiko is a miniature hologram that belongs to Jordan, a lonely teenager. She is designed to adore her owner with pure and infinite love. But the day Jordan abandons her for a girl from his school, Maiko’s tears start flowing and they taste like blood.
Michael, a gay, twenty-something year old mouse, hides his true identity while he works as a tailor. When Isaac enters the shop one day, he offers the love Michael craves. But after Isaac’s tragic death, Michael becomes tormented by his memories.
The forest is suspiciously quiet. The wind rustles softly through the leaves, the sun reflects on the moist soil, no animals can be seen. The only thing that disturbs this peace is the panting of two jogging teenagers. When they reach an open space, the tension suddenly arises.
In a version of Kolkata, India rendered unlivable by sea level rise, things take a dark turn when a family of climate change refugees are ambushed by a tiger on the flooded streets.
