Written and directed by Keith Rubin, co-directed by Lauren Sowa, a police officer investigates a noise complaint at a Yale secret society, only to find a dead body. As she digs deeper, it becomes clear that the truth behind Brett’s murder may be more complex than it seems. Starring: Britne Oldford, Taylor Anthony Miller, Charlie McElveen, Danni Vitorino, Keith Rubin and James M. Reilly.
Firstly, something that stands out with Brett Was a F*ck is the casting of Britne Oldford. She’s a wonderful actress and she hasn’t really been given much opportunity to take the lead, and here she yet again proves that she absolutely deserves it. She’s a lot of fun to watch here, she adds so much personality and wit to Kendra, and she keeps you guessing. When Kendra is basically playing a game of 1 v 4, you have to believe that she can to hold her own, know how to protect herself and have a keen awareness, and Oldford instils all those qualities in her and more.
Taylor Anthony Miller, Charlie McElveen, Danni Vitorino and Keith Rubin then provide the other side of that equation. They each give us familiar characters, presenting different, and common, types of male personalities. You’ve got the jock, the dad, the arty one and the screwup, and they all nicely hit those notes of elitism and being allergic to accepting the consequences of their own actions. The type who has never met a rug they didn’t have something to sweep under. They all create a nice feel of panic and fear, as well as a bumbling edge to them.
That’s then well complemented by the style from Rubin behind the camera, that air of suspicion comes through strongly and consistently, it’s intentionally overt. The score (by Sean van Doornum) holds a style akin to a classic noir, which works really well. The cinematography (by Denver Milord) has a certain softness to it which is interesting, and fits with the comedy-thriller balance. Added to the editing from Vanessa Trengrove it all builds the feel of a quintessential murder mystery which is really enjoyable. The way that it moves is excellent, and it holds a genuine suspense. As well as making great use of that back and forth timeline.
Brett Was a F*ck is very well written, keeping the audience guessing and making for satisfying viewing. There’s a terrific cast at work, led superbly by Britne Oldford, who create an excellent atmosphere and boost the film’s sense of humour. There are a couple of weaker choices with the transitions but they’re a minor weakness in what is otherwise a very well put together short. The direction is strong, as is the score, and everything works together strongly to create a comedy murder-mystery that’s fun, entertaining and unexpected.
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