Short films manage to be some of the most captivating watches out there, despite being constantly overlooked due to their unassuming runtimes. Widely considered to be truly underrated form of cinema, we think that shorts should be regarded just as highly as feature films - and if it weren’t for shorts, say goodbye to classics such as Whiplash and Lights Out.
These are each of our team members’ favourite shorts of all time.
Komal's Picks
written and directed by Matt Black
A perfect execution of what is otherwise a very tried and tired trope. Compelling, unpredictable, sheer fun. Omeleto has a lot of gems but this one is the most memorable for me.
directed by Aneil Karia, created by Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed
Worst fears realised, following the split second your world flips. Pressing, painful, and relevant as ever. Extremely deserving of its Academy Award.
directed by Jonah Sublette, featuring Burl Norville
A beautiful documentary that packs an enormous amount of heart into 9 minutes. I blind-watched before knowing what or who it was about, and I definitely recommend everyone does the same.
Danis' Picks
written and directed by Denis Villeneuve
Before there was a Dune, there was Next Floor, a complete visual storytelling short from the guy who brought Wolverine and Mysterio together for Prisoners (2013). From the opening shot itself, you know you’re in for a thrilling, surreal and captivating story with underlying messages related to class politics. Don’t miss this one if you’re a fan of Denis Villeneuve.
'Grave Torture', written and directed by Joko Anwar
Sounds - the most vile, crude, demented sounds are what make this short from Joko Anwar (who has just made a full film out of this!) a truly horrifying watch. Based on an Islamic concept - Adhāb al-Qabr, or Punishment of the Grave - evil peeps being tortured in their graves. Craziest part of this is witnessing it from the POV of someone (who’s alive!) watching all of this happen to them. Sound and Sight people, Sound and Sight
Two Distant Strangers (2020)
written by Travon Free. directed by Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe
The painful reminder of people who have suffered under the hands of the (so-called) Law and Order protectors. This is what makes Two Distant Strangers a painful watch, but an important one. Most importantly, a discourse between the victim and the perpetrator happens in a twisted Groundhog Day-like style which puts a brilliant twist in exposing not only the recurring nightmare for African-Americans, but also a parasitic mindset that has sunk its teeth into the justice system itself.
Two Distant Strangers (2020) is available to watch on Netflix.
Sophia's Picks
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)
written and directed by Michael Govier & Will McCormack
"If Anything Happens I Love You" is a beautifully poignant 2D animated short on Netflix that delivers a powerful emotional punch in just 12 minutes. Through stunning animation and minimal dialogue, it explores the depth of parental grief and loss with heart-wrenching sensitivity, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who would be able to relate to the loss of grief.
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020) is available to watch on Netflix.
written by Denman Hatch, directed by Denman Hatch and Matt Hamilton
"Make Me A Sandwich", directed by Denman Hatch, is a darkly comedic and unsettling short film that takes the phrase "domestic horror" to a new level. With a sinister twist on a seemingly mundane but irritating demand, it delivers a chilling narrative in just a few minutes. The film's sharp direction and eerie atmosphere make it unforgettable and fully captured my attention for those 3 minutes.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
directed by Wes Anderson
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar," directed by the renowned Wes Anderson, is a whimsical and visually delightful short film on Netflix that brings Roald Dahl's tale to life with Anderson's signature quirkiness. Benedict Cumberbatch shines as Henry Sugar, a wealthy man on a magical journey of self-discovery. I was particularly enraptured with the vibrant aesthetics of the film as well as its captivating blend of humor and heart.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023) is available to watch on Netflix.
That's it! We hope you enjoyed our little roundup, and that you feel like you know us all a bit better now. Your turn - tell us your favourite short films?
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