PALM SPRINGS SHORTFEST 2024 REVIEW! Mountains out of molehills…that is the story behind Dylan Joseph’s short film, French.
The bond of trust between a manicurist and their client is tight, but let’s just say that the manicurist has great power in her hands. Sari’s session with her long-time manicurist, Alona, should be nothing out of the ordinary, but one cannot help but notice the look of betrayal on Alona’s face.
French explores the theme of betrayal and how the weight of the betrayal can be perceived differently, particularly by the betrayal. For Alona, Sari’s backstabbing runs deep and is highly personal, but it is no big deal for Sari.
“For Alona, Sari’s backstabbing runs deep and is highly personal…”
Filmmaker Joseph brilliantly elevates the tension by using the intimacy of the manicure, from cutting the nails short to the delicate trimming of the cuticles. Then there is the actual betrayal, from the shifting of power to blame to forgiveness.
French is a short film that will sneak up on you because of how good it is. Brilliant performances by Hadas Yaron and Rona-Lee Shimon, who both build upon director Joseph’s thoughtful script, make it worth watching.
French screened at the 2024 Palm Springs ShortFest.