Kerry Furrh and Olivia Mitchell co-write and co-direct Ripe! under the nom de plume Tusk. The short film follows Sophie (Raina Landolfi), an 18-year-old spending the summer in Spain. Her boyfriend, Henry (Jules Smekens), was supposed to join her but could not. They still talk and text, and Sophie sends pictures daily. Still, she feels a bit alone in this country.
Well, that is until she meets Gloria (Rita Roca). Sophie and the football player share instant chemistry, though neither of them acts on their emerging feelings. But during a football game, Sophie accidentally breaks Gloria’s arm. Her penance is to cook Gloria a homemade meal, over which their bond is put to the ultimate test.
“…during a football game, Sophie accidentally breaks Gloria’s arm.”
Ripe! is a propulsive comedic drama that never stops. The opening is a montage of all the pictures Sophie sends Henry set to all his voicemails about not being able to make it. In fact, the only moment that slows down comes at the end, as the outcome nears.
Landolfi is excellent. She makes Sophie’s loneliness ring true while making it clear she wants to make real connections. Her chemistry with Roca sizzles from their first meeting to the last frame. Roca is enticing and charismatic in all the right ways.
Ripe! is great. The acting is excellent, and the direction is energetic. The themes of finding oneself, however unexpectedly, are relatable and resonate after the short ends.
"…great."
