DANCES WITH FILMS 2023 REVIEW! In the hopefully-very-distant future, the world is under strict water-rationing guidelines. In director Jordan Martin’s short film, Leak, a son learns what’s truly important in extreme times.
Water has become a scarce resource in this dystopian future and with rising global temperatures. Logan (Ben Richardson) starts his day by rationing the water he “acquired” for his deaf mother, Mary (Rita Scranton), and himself. Trouble brews when Logan’s neighbor snitches on him for harboring stolen water, and before you know it, the Resource Enforcement Agency storms in to confiscate any aquatic contraband they can find.
“…Resource Enforcement Agency storms in to confiscate any aquatic contraband…”
From a bird’s eye perspective, Leak brings attention to our current climate crisis and the fact that there are parts of the world where water is scarce, and people walk long distances to get what little is available. Within this small, low-budget indie short, Martin creates a bleak future from Jordan Wilson and Justin Jayne’s script that is set within the confines of a small apartment. The R.E.A. goons are a nice touch and hit on the privilege those in power have over those who aren’t.
The heart of Leak is found in the relationship between Logan and Mary. It’s a simple story of love and loyalty. The pair learn that as the world falls apart around us, the only thing have to hold onto is one another.
Leak screened at the 2023 Dances With Films.
"…Martin creates a bleak future..."
