2020 (A 1917 Parody)

In these uncertain times, our priorities can be twisted up, and our personal beliefs can take a life. No matter what you believe, it is important to wear a mask, promote racial equality, consider the well-being of not only our loved ones but our peers, and remain six feet apart. In the meantime, leave it to Stephen Ford to create a frightfully accurate, diverting, and moderately sober short film surrounding the events of 2020.

Written, produced, directed, and edited by Stephen Ford, 2020 is a short, albeit calculated parody of Sam Mendes’ 1917, a World War I movie made to look like one continuous shot and designed to accommodate a ticking-clock scenario. Whereas 1917 took place in 1917, 2020 explores the year 2020 — a year in which a pandemic and more racial injustice impacted the nation.

“Michael and Colton are tasked to go to the nearest 7-Eleven for toilet paper because every other store is closed.”

Painstakingly recreating scenes from 1917 and putting them in a contemporary context, 2020 is an impressively concise, tonally ambitious, scarily relatable, and exquisitely shot short film that perfectly condenses all that has happened in 2020. And it just so happens that the movie’s plot revolves around two roommates who embark on a precarious venture to the closest 7-Eleven to restock on toilet paper.

The film begins with roommates Michael (Michael Lieberman) and Colton (Colton Eschief Mastro) relaxing on the patio deck as their laptop is playing news footage of the scorching wildfires spreading across Australia. This scene is clearly parallel to 1917‘s serene introduction of the two soldiers lying by a tree. Michael answers a phone call from Terika (Terika Jefferson), who summons them to the house. As Michael and Colton make their way to Terika, they converse about unemployment, Facebook, and Twitch, thinking of ways to make money in these financially challenging times.

Upon arriving at the house, Terika shows off the sourdough bread she recently made (which was one of the most popular recipes people made in quarantine). Roommate Monib (Monib Abhat) calls in Michael and Colton to discuss a very serious matter: toilet paper. The realization that the household was out of toilet paper came after ordering Chipolte on Postmates. Michael and Colton are tasked to go to the nearest 7-Eleven for toilet paper because every other store is closed. They must stay diligent and avoid catching Covid-19 and attracting the attention of the National Guard and any “Karen” who may be roaming the streets without a mask.