Written and directed by Nazrin Choudhury, Rachel (Brittany Snow) is a single parent living paycheck to paycheck. When an unexpected pregnancy threatens to unravel her already precarious position, she’s forced to cross state lines in search of an abortion. Also starring: Juliet Donenfeld, Redding Munsell, Jud Tylor, Ashley A. Williams, Sloan Muldown and Taryn Leggett.
It’s not often that a film will simultaneously break your heart and make you intensely angry but that’s what Red, White and Blue is here to do. An element which can make or break a short film is progression, the stronger it can hit the right notes and pacing, the more memorable it will be and Nazrin Choudhuryhits them out of the park. The flow of the story is absolutely perfect to draw you in, hit those sympathetic and poignant notes, then absolutely floor you.
There’s a strong balance between the vital, political issues that are putting women in danger in states throughout America, and a personal story. You can feel the necessity of it but also connect with it on an intimate, sympathetic level. The style really does that latter side a lot of justice, it plays out with a solid weight and sincerity but in a simple, earnest manner. It leans more on the mother, daughter side of the story to keep its feet solidly on the ground, rather than trying to over-extend itself to the darker or edgier roads it could have taken. There’s also strong editing work to help the story say more without having to actually say it.
Every element works together to ensure that Red, White and Blue hits you like a tonne of bricks and undoubtedly a key one of them is the performances. Watching this short will definitely make you think that the dramatic talents of Brittany Snow have been massively underestimated. We only get to see them once in a while and this is a fantastic example of why we should see more of them. Her performance is moving and vulnerable yet strong and unwavering. Which is even better when put together with Juliet Donenfeld, who takes you slightly by surprise with the depth she manages to slowly build throughout the film. When the credits finally roll, she’s built this exceptional young woman.
Red, White and Blue is a necessary reminder of what it means to restrict women’s healthcare, and the poor future that is being paved for generations to come. How it reflects today’s world is heart-wrenching to watch but at its core is a warmth and bonding experience between mother and daughter. It’s a tricky balance to get right but Nazrin Choudhury does a remarkable job, making this conversation more accessible to try and connect with a wider audience and echo its importance. It’s shot with a wholesome and compelling style and the performances push its emotions even further.
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