Firecraker (2022) Short Movie Review

 

 

Firecracker | 2022 | 15m
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance/Short | Country: US
Director: Caroline Guo | Writers: Caroline Guo
Cast: Lydia Jialu Li, Faye Tamasa
IMDB: 6.4
My Rate: 8/10

Annie hides her relationship with Sam from her family because it’s not something easily accepted. Annie is torn between the pressure from her family urging her to come home for the New Year and Sam, who wants to meet Annie’s family.

Warning:

LGBT and sensual scenes

 

Synopsis:

Annie receives a phone call from her mother asking how she is and whether she might return home for Chinese New Year. However, Annie keeps dodging the question in order to hide her relationship with Sam—something her family most likely would not accept.

That night is their anniversary. Sam gives her a gift—a camera—and they spend the night together. Annie talks about how her family always lights fireworks during New Year’s celebrations.

Sam subtly expresses her desire to meet Annie’s family. But Annie feels a complex mix of emotions inside her. Sam notices this and feels slightly angry because Annie isn’t being honest about their relationship.

Will Annie and Sam be okay?

 

Review:

Firecracker raises the theme of LGBT, which might not be accepted by many. However, the story is presented without being sensual or excessive. It focuses more on the internal conflict of its main character.

With a limited setting and only two main actors, the film is presented quite well. The story development and character backgrounds are easy to understand. It begins with the introduction of Annie and her conflict with her family. Then comes Sam, who becomes a part of Annie’s life.

Conflict arises when Sam gives a subtle message in her conversation with Annie about wanting to be introduced to Annie’s family. However, Annie responds in a complicated way, both through her expressions and dialogue, leading to a quarrel between them.

Annie’s internal conflict and dilemma are very evident. It’s as if there’s a major battle within her—knowing full well that her family would most likely not approve of or accept her relationship with Sam.

The resolution is done very well. Annie’s character development is clearly visible—how she begins to see the problems she faces from both Sam’s and her family’s perspectives, and how she finally makes a decision that might be risky.

The story itself is very simple, with limited time and plot. However, the message it wants to convey is effectively delivered on screen. Viewers can strongly feel what the main character is experiencing.

The cinematography is done quite well, with some important details shown effectively. The color composition is also quite good. Added with the appropriate choice of music and sound effects. One notable music placement is in the scene where they play with fireworks—the music stops simultaneously with the fireworks dying out, then transitions into the next scene.

The acting from the cast also feels natural—not stiff or exaggerated. Although it seems the chemistry between the actors could be developed more deeply, considering this is their anniversary, meaning the relationship has been going on for a while.

Overall, this film is quite worth watching.

 

Memorable Scene:

Annie recalls her memories with Sam, from the first time they met to the moments they’ve shared. Annie also reads a message sent by her mother, indicating her mother misses her. Until she makes a decision that might be filled with risk, but one that will not ignore the two people she loves.

Often in life, we are faced with difficult choices—when our decisions may contradict our parents’ understanding. However, this is not something to be avoided. The best thing is to face it, along with all the risks that come with it.

 
Memorable Dialogue:

“You know how complicated this is”

 
Ending:

Cliffhanger

 

Recommendation:

Worth to watch

(Aluna)