In Veronica Mitsuk’s short film, When It Hits, Jess and Matt, two step-siblings, are struggling with grief after the loss of their mother. Jess, the younger of the two, takes on the burden of handling their mother’s debts and other responsibilities. She is a college student who works as a server to make ends meet.
Jess also feels the weight of caring for Matt, who copes with his grief by turning to alcohol. As he withdraws from life, possibly losing his job, Jess grows increasingly frustrated, as Matt doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation she’s managing. When Jess comes home and finds Matt passed out on the couch amid an ocean of liquor bottles, she confronts him once and for all about his lack of interest in life and disregard for her feelings, as she’s been left to handle all of their mother’s affairs alone.

“…Jess and Matt, two step-siblings, are struggling with grief after the loss of their mother.”
The heart of the story revolves around a conversation between Jess and Matt, during which their different ways of handling loss come to a head. Jess feels overwhelmed by the responsibilities she’s had to bear from the funeral arrangements, not knowing how they’ll afford their home and the debt that their mother left behind. Matt, on the other hand, wallows in his grief. His only course of action is to withdraw from life, his job responsibilities, and his step-sister. “No one knows how I feel,” he cries.
Having recently lost one of my parents, When It Hits feels authentic. For me, keeping busy was a great way to put off dealing with my emotions. Not to mention having to entertain family coming in town and negotiating who will do what at the funeral.
When It Hits is about the conversation Matt and Jess have been putting off for a long time. Mitsuk and Terry give incredible performances and bring great authenticity to Mitsuk’s script. The setting and lighting also effectively support the film’s emotions. If you’ve lost someone close and whom you’ve depended upon, When It Hits will feel very real.