Mercy (I) (2004) User Reviews

Well worth seeing

[nat_risk · 10/10 · 11 August 2004]

This is an excellent short film in the vein of other English directors like Mike Leigh. etc.

The movie centers around the daily grind of a young boy who is living in a modern day hell. His mother is a heroine addict who uses prostitution to pay for her habit and he is bullied at school. He is driven to extremes to try to break out of this vicious cycle.

The movie moves from scene to scene with such fluidity one would think that it was an experienced director at work. She has managed to pull the best out of the actors even though there is little script for them to use to bring out their characters. In addition to this the camera work suggests that the future is bright for this young director.

Brilliant and chilling

[jmatloff-1 · 10/10 · 28 February 2009]

A really, really good short film. It's rare that you watch a short and think how well crafted it is within its time frame, it seems perfectly paced. The lead actor is terrific, very haunting, and the boys Mum is convincing in her role. I particularly liked the music, it set a great tone.

I kept thinking about the film for several days after I had watched it, and enjoyed debating the moral questions it raises. The final shot almost questions the viewing as the boy looks straight at us.

I look forward to this directors next film, hopefully she will continue in this vein.