HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! Indulge Me is directed by Clarinda Blais and written by Martin Molpeceres. The short starts very humorously with Father Otto (Dylan Saunders) taking confession in an RV (or some such) for 25 cents for a few minutes of talking. The ding sound means time is up. To continue, the priest insists the person in the makeshift confessional pay before continuing. He smokes, buys lotto tickets, and, in general, does not act like a real priest.
“…taking confession in an RV for 25 cents.”
One night, Otto encounters Rabbi Mendel (Alan Blumenfeld) outside his place. He invites the rabbi in, who accepts and pays the quarter fee. Mendel confesses his sin. Then the timer dings. But Otto, in a surprising turn, allows the rabbi to continue without paying. This moment hints at a profound change in Otto, a reawakening of his faith.
Indulge Me balances its drama and comedy perfectly. Otto’s ridiculous daily routine contrasts sharply with Mendel’s words of confession. A run-in with non-defrocked priests sets up the drama to come nicely, while Otto’s reaction to the two men maintains the comedy. Saunders and Blumenfeld are in fine form as the heaviness of what has transpired sinks in as the 14-minute runtime ticks by.
Indulge Me screened at the 2024 Hollyshorts Film Festival.
"…balances its drama and comedy perfectly."
