In writer-director Jordan Wilson and co-writer Ben Richardson’s sweet short film, Niece Day, Richardson plays Justin, a drama teacher. The popular high school teacher finds himself in a bit of a conundrum as tomorrow is “Bring Your Kid to Work” day, and the single Justin has no one to bring. Ah, but the man has a niece, Sammy (Marlee Burns), and his sister, Jessica (Karen Garlitz), quickly agrees.
The next day, Sammy accompanies her Uncle Justin to school, where she sits watching him grade papers. Seeing the bored Sammy, Justin looks for little things she can do, like make copies and pass out paper. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.
“…tomorrow is ‘Bring Your Kid to Work’ day, and the single Justin has no one to bring.”
Sweet is the best way to describe Niece Day. It’s a simple story touching on themes of family, including extended, and the lessons we teach children when we don’t think we’re getting through. Director Wilson nails that tone and stages the short beautifully. Little Marlee hits all the right notes of cuteness to complement Ben’s Uncle Justin.
Niece Day shows us that we can still bring a bit of hope to this oh-so-cynical world.
"…nails that tone and stages the short beautifully."
