Written and directed by Keegan Duncan, co-written by lead actor Jack Norris, when past debt threatens the family boat, a brother and sister must look past their differences to save their father’s pride and joy. Also starring: Eric Larson, Pamela Portnoy and Alisha Seaton.

The first impression that Harbor makes is how director Keegan Duncan and cinematographer Samuel Ott have truly ingrained its by the water setting into their aesthetic. It has this absolutely wonderful, blue-tinged palette, which gives it a grounded yet stylish feel. Which when paired with Daniele Truocchio’s nicely understated and forlorn score, and some thoughtful editing, it easily builds a sincere emotional foundation, before we even get to know these characters. Visually it feels very reminiscent of last year’s God’s Creatures.

There’s a superb texture and depth to the aesthetic which help to elevate the story. The writing focuses on the complex emotion that is grief but keeps things simple, wholesome and touching. It’s a strive to find closure, to discover that final connection with someone you’ve lost, it never tries to over-complicate itself and is graceful, if perhaps a touch sentimental at times. It might have been nice to see it develop further but you can see the intention to create a thoughtful, caring short film.

A big part of that is the performance from Jack Norris, he has a distinctly relatable quality as Jay. He portrays those moments of self-doubt and regret that we all have when we look back and think what we could have done differently, or if we could have done more, appreciated more. His performance is extremely sympathetic and has a great warmth to it. Pamela Portnoy as Jay’s sister Grace, then brings some variety in that she fills this character with a lot of tension and frustration. She’s more on edge but when they’re brought together, the two balance each other out.

Harbor takes on the topic of grief in a quiet, wholesome and sweet manner. It does a wonderful job of not getting snowed under by the complexity of the subject and instead choosing a simpler example that captures the complicated emotions, while holding onto a lighter, caring atmosphere. It’s shot extremely well, Duncan’s direction builds the film’s heart while Ott’s cinematography does an impressive job of matching the tone, especially with the added strength of the stunning colouring work. It’s a brief but very loving journey that’s well executed on all fronts.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

Harbor will be available to watch on Omeleto from March 21, 2024 – For more info visit their Instagram