Conscript

Director-screenwriter, Daniel Everitt-Lock brings to life a short film about the hidden history of atomic testing in Conscript. In 1954, Alex (Adam Fox) is drafted to the Marshall Islands as a witness for atomic bomb testing. His parents, George (Tim Rozon) and Mary (Lora Burke), are in a heated argument over the draft. George believes in the importance of Alex serving his country, while Mary refuses to lose another child. The aftermath of World War II lingers in the household.

Alex is called down by his parents as their argument gets heated. In a man-to-man moment, George tells his son about his last military assignment, as he was sent for atomic testing too. For him, it was a surreal experience as he covered his eyes from the intense light, saw every bone and vein in his hand, and had an out-of-body nightmarish feeling in his body. After hearing his father’s startling story, Alex must tell his parents his motivation for joining the draft. The film also features interviews from veterans recalling their experience during the end credits.

“…Alex is drafted to the Marshall Islands as a witness for atomic bomb testing…”

Daniel Everitt-Lock excels in bringing this drama to life. His creative cinematography and camera angles bring emotion and scale. The usage of extreme close-ups capture the danger of atomic bombings. Everitt-Lock creatively uses black and white, color, and multiple aspect ratios for the flash-forwards and 1954 scenes. These aesthetic elements help the audience relate to Alex on a personal level, which is enhanced by fast editing. The film feels like an indie companion piece to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

I would be remiss not to mention the interviews by atomic testing veterans,  as these scenes add a human touch. This is a great addition to the short film, and I hope Everitt-Lock uses more of this footage for a documentary. Hopefully Conscript encourages further investigation into the atomic testings, as the U.S. government kept this secret for years. Daniel Everitt-Lock’s film will resonate with military families and further expand one’s knowledge of World War II and the Cold War.