While some filmmakers depend on long exposition to tell their story, writer-director Serkan Atkas builds a solid, thoughtful story using minimal visuals and action in his three-minute short film Resurrection Under The Sea.
The film sees a man careening downwards underwater, violently fighting against the undertow. In less than a minute, the man relents, as he touches the bottom of the ocean. The metaphor of “rebirth” invokes reflection and consciousness that coalesces with what our senses to envelope an overall theme of letting go against the things that cannot be changed, yet conforms to a higher self. Even the bubbles crawling across his face tells the story of all the things we hold onto slipping away.
“…a man careening downwards underwater, violently fighting against the undertow…”
Finding empathy for a character struggling not to succumb to their distress, whether internal or external, and reach the metaphysical surface is relatable. When people look at art, they conceive it. The human mind actively works diligently to assess and discern, so every piece that inspires thought becomes the true goal for every creator. That is where Resurrection Under The Ocean knocks it out of the park.
The sounds and visuals of Resurrection Under The Ocean convey more than any exposition could. At the heart of observing this quick and silent act of trial, adversity, and redemption is a story told merely through imagery. The light score brings a whole new level of immersion that allows the viewer to consider the visceral elements of being underwater and instead of remaining fearful, a sense of calm takes precedence.
As short of a film as Resurrection Under The Ocean is, very little else is needed to fully comprehend how Serken Atkas made a picture with actor Adnan Yanbay as the man sinking in metaphor and swimming his way back to the surface, completing his rebirth.
"…trial, adversity, and redemption told through imagery"
