Picture Day, a coming-of-age short film from writer/director Kelly Pike, features Oona Yaffe as Casey, a 12-year-old thrust into a new school the day before picture day. This school is the latest in a long line of schools, as her dad’s job in the military has the family constantly adapting to new social environments. Along with the tensions of moving, Casey’s family is breaking at the seams as her mother is in poor health, and her family is struggling to cope with the stress. Tension ultimately boils over when Casey plans to get her ears pierced.
“…a 12-year-old [is] thrust into a new school the day before picture day.”
Clocking in at just 16 minutes, Picture Day tackles gender dynamics, family dynamics, and identity against the backdrop of puberty in a new school. Yaffe is superb in the leading role. Being on screen every second, she carries the film and all its themes. The actor’s creative choices give the lead character all the insecurity, rebellion, pride, and sense of wanting that is vital for this pre-teen on the edge of adulthood. The script and performances have notes of Cristina Ricci in Now & Then, along with a little Lady Bird, to keep the short more than relevant for current teens.
Pike and Yaffe are an excellent duo, and Picture Day showcases their skills in every frame. Yes, the plot deals in familiar territory and typical tropes of the coming-of-age genre. However, the standout performance of the lead actor and Pike’s eye for the nuance keep the story engaging. The short has earned the awards and praise it’s gained during its tenure on the festival circuit. As we enter closer to awards season, I would not be surprised to see this film on the shortlist or even among the nominees for the Academy Awards.
"…the standout performance of the lead actor and Pike's eye for the nuance keep the story engaging."
