Written and directed by Cassie Wezniak, in the near future, two girls must escape their cult when they are selected to merge bodies with a frozen entity. Starring: Sophie Rossman, Emma Parks, Michelle Eugene and Zoe Ann Ritchie.
A good first impression is always absolutely vital with short film, when you’re working with that small timeframe, it matters so much more to be very purposeful with your choices to be as effective as possible. You can see that thought process with Cryonic, the opening from Cassie Wezniak is nicely atmospheric, and sets the tone for what’s to come. The shot choices, along with the score from Isabella Bonzani add a curious, foreboding note, swathed in youth and naivety.
The next element which strongly stands out is the set decoration and use of colour (production design by Lulu Smith). Keeping things minimal, using those bare walls with solid colour and unadorned furniture perfectly crafts the atmosphere which Cryonic needs. It holds that familiar coldness of dystopia, the feel of authoritarian regimes, and that imposing presence which is always ready to pounce at any misstep or show of individuality. It’s ominous yet doesn’t become too heavy or serious, Wezniak does well to ensure the tone befits the leading characters.
That visual style also extends to the costume work, particularly that of Mrs. Rixon (Michelle Eugene). The white of her leadership uniform is such a fantastic contrast to that of the trainees, their simple black, practical design versus the clean lines and priestess like design of her costume. There’s a lot of choices going into the aesthetic which are deceptively simple, each of them building upon one another, with the help of the cinematography from Matt Liang, which embraces the dystopia but doesn’t lose touch with the everyday.
All of which work to craft an engaging atmosphere, it’s easy to invest in the plight of these young women, to see that they might not fully grasp the ‘privilege’ of sorts which awaits them, if they are chosen. Something which works particularly well when the tone shifts as the focus moves in on Rory (Sophie Rossman) and Lilah (Emma Parks), adding a warmth and leaning into their youth. As they share a quiet moment, Cryonic almost relaxes until the tone shifts again and the intensity grows, that evolution of the atmosphere is very well done. To be able to swiftly and effectively adjust the short’s tone to the different emotional states shows a great level of consideration and awareness.
Then of course you have the performances, Sophie Rossman and Emma Parks are a big part of why it’s easy to be drawn into this story. Their optimism and hope, but also the audience awareness of how quickly that can be eradicated in this type of story, something which Wezniak certainly uses to her advantage. Rossman and Parks both give great performances, they create a convincing friendship, and it’s easy to see how their different personalities complement one another. Rossman stands out even more as the story reaches its conclusion, the level of emotion and determination she brings to Rory is really well done.
Cryonic demonstrates a great eye for detail and awareness of how to make effective choices to maximise the impact of your aesthetic on an indie budget, within that short realm. Cassie Wezniak makes great shot choices, which are very well supported by the cinematography from Matt Liang and the score from Isabella Bonzani. There’s a strong atmosphere and a captivating story which nicely manages to keep itself simple enough while not becoming too simple. It’s led well by Sophie Rossman and Emma Parks who craft relatable, determined characters, with a touching friendship. It’s ominous and curious, has a nicely dramatic edge, yet never gets lost in doom and gloom, it holds onto the youth and hope of its characters. It’s a good concept, well executed.
