Often short films are used to present just a small part of a much bigger story. Jeremy Stewart’s Rare does just that. Stewart knows that since he’s not telling the entire story, he has to pack a big punch as quickly as possible. First, I would suggest not reading the synopsis for Rare. It’s somewhat spoilery, and the fun of this fantastical short film is the slow revelation.
“…with one last sip of wine, Mac spits out blood.”
Rare opens at a rather large dining hall table in the middle of a somewhat gothic setting. Sitting at opposite ends of the table are Ralph (Danny Zuhlke) and Mac (Quinn DeVillers), having what appears to be their final glass of wine. A palpable tension hangs in the air, and with one last sip of wine, Mac spits out blood. Though concerned, Ralph knows the time has come.
What Stewart does so well in Rare is to tell a rather unholy love story. As the evening’s events take a dark turn for the couple, ideas of love and the sacrifices we make for it are all there. At six minutes, Rare is a simple, efficient, compelling story.
"…ideas of love and the sacrifices we make for it are all there."
