In Alex Loucas’ short, Semblance, when life comes crashing around, the next logical question is…what’s next? A young woman, Lavender, was just fired from her job for what she felt were dubious reasons. On the phone, Her sister may feel it was not so dubious. What’s clear is that Lavender has not been on her meds for a few days, and with no health insurance, the local free clinic is her only option.
While in line at the clinic, Lavender gets the “details” on how the system works from regulars Hale and Simba. Quickly, a connection is made, and the veil of reality is soon lifted.
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“…no health insurance, the local free clinic is her only option.”
Semblance is very much a character-driven tale. As Lavender, actor Frezar gives a relatable and familiar performance as a person caught in the day-to-day cycle of life—almost a cycle of self-sabotage in a way. Weirdly enough, just her subtle interactions with Hale and Simba, played by John F. Henry II and Goran Ivanovski, bring a level of sweetness and reality to the situation.
Loucas’ direction in Semblance gives this simple story a cinematic feel. A visual change in storytelling sneaks up on you and brings Lavender’s tale to a satisfying conclusion. No matter how far down the rabbit hole we take ourselves, there is hope and light that we can find in others.
Semblance screened at the LA Shorts International Film Festival.