HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2025 REVIEW! Storage, written by Rob Zappulla and directed by Brittney Badduke, follows siblings Margo (Anjelica Bette Fellini) and Jerry (Chris Aquilino) as they deal with the loss of their parents. The deceased owned a storage unit to which the brother and sister have just gained access. The only items in the storage unit are a large freezer, a television, a VCR, and a VHS cassette with “Play Me First” written on it. Margo puts the cassette into the player, and she and Jerry watch their parents explain precisely what is in the freezer and why they have the storage unit.
“The only items in the storage unit are a large freezer, a television, a VCR, and a VHS cassette with ‘Play Me First’ written on it.”
Fellini and Aquilino are terrific together. They quarrel and bicker like real siblings. Each actor has solid comedic timing, especially when reacting to what the parents are doing on the tape. They both play the shock of the finale with a relatable sense of confusion and resignation.
Badduke maintains the tone of Storage well. The turn from odd family comedy to something more sinister works better than it may sound. The screenplay efficiently and effectively establishes Margo and Jerry’s relationship and grief. In under 12 minutes, this film will have one laughing, grieving, and being surprised.
Storage screened at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival.
"…will have one laughing, grieving, and being surprised."
