The Resemblance | 2022 | 15m
Genre: Drama/Short | Country: US
Director: Derek Nguyen | Writers: Derek
Nguyen
Cast: François Chau, Tom Dang, Sumalee
Montano
IMDB: 6.6
My Rate: 9/10
An elderly couple hires an actor from an agency to pretend to be their son, hoping to ease the pain of their loss.
Synopsis:
David (François Chau) and Lan (Sumalee Montano), a married couple, visit an agency that offers actors for hire. These actors are chosen for their physical resemblance to the person they are portraying. Many people use this service for various reasons, such as healing from loss or easing their longing for a loved one who has passed away or disappeared.
The couple becomes one of their clients. They seek to heal the pain of losing their only son, Daniel (Tom Dang). While David initially doubts the service, Lan convinces him to try it.
'Daniel' arrives on the appointed day. The couple is stunned by the actor's uncanny resemblance to their son, not only in appearance but also in some of his mannerisms. Even more surprising, the actor seems to know about their past conflicts and tries to address them with the couple.
Is this man truly an actor or is he
actually Daniel?
Review:
Despite its simple premise, "The Resemblance" delivers a profound and meaningful message within its 15-minute runtime. Viewers can feel the couple's profound loss and regret. The conflict is well-developed and resolved.
The music selection is crucial in setting the mood. The dominant brown and black color palette further enhances the melancholic atmosphere. The actors deliver excellent performances, creating a cohesive whole that makes the film highly enjoyable. It's no surprise that it won Best Film at the New Mexico Asian Film Festival.
The film's most important message is about appreciating the presence of loved ones while they are still with us. When they are gone, all that remains is regret. We never know when our last interaction will be, so we should always strive to end on a positive note.
One unanswered question at the end of the film is whether the 'Daniel' who appears at their home is truly an actor. Many aspects seem impossible to understand, such as how the actor appears so real. He shares the same mannerisms and even knows detailed events from their past.
This short film has significant potential
for development into a full-length feature.
Adding more story details or plot twists could enhance the
narrative. However, it's crucial to
preserve the essence of the short film, which is already well-established.
Memorable Scene:
The father, who has always appeared tough,
finally breaks down and cries. He realizes his mistakes, driven by his ego,
that led to the loss of his son. This scene shows how often our unconscious
selfishness leads to loss. The pain deepens when we realize our mistakes too
late, leaving only regret.
Memorable Dialogue:
"Do you remember what you said to me before I left?"
Ending:
Happy Ending
Recommendation:
Must Watch.
(Aluna)
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