In film, there is no such thing as coincidence. In Patrick Hagarty’s short film, September, chance meetings never happen by chance. Claire lives in a small town. One day, while walking, she trips when her heel collapses, twisting her ankle. A man named Hayden offers to help, but Claire is immediately wary of his intentions. He insists on driving her home and giving her a first aid kit once there. During their conversation, Hayden shared that he used to be a medic but left that life behind because it wasn’t for him.
Claire’s life has been a struggle on almost all levels. Meanwhile, Hayden explains he’s back in town to handle some personal matters. Their interaction continues when Hayden asks for ice, but things turn awkward after Claire accidentally spills wine on him, making things a bit awkward. As Claire attempts to clean up, she aggravates her ankle again. As Claire gradually opens up about feeling cursed and confesses she’s done terrible things, she and Hayden form a deep connection—until a dark secret is revealed.
“Claire gradually opens up about feeling cursed and confesses she’s done terrible things”
September is a story of regret and redemption. A life-altering event shattered Claire’s world, leaving her convinced her entire life is cursed.
Writer/director Patrick Hagarty ramps up the emotional intensity to get his point across, and his leads, Rebecca Liddiard and Jack Davidson are more than up for the task. For the uninitiated, emotional displays can feel like melodrama, but it’s interesting how when emotions go to extremes in film, we feel it, and it impacts our own situations.
Patrick Hagarty’s September reminds us that no encounter is random, and no wound—emotional or otherwise—is without its own hidden purpose. It’s a sobering yet hopeful tale about the possibility of redemption even when life feels cursed beyond repair.
"…a story of regret and redemption."
