Is invoking Murphy’s Law in your story dramatic or tragic? Fate has turned a world upside down in writer-director Pat Bradley’s short film, Star Crossed.
It’s Christmas 2019 as Robert (Jeff Clark, Jr.) and Michelle (Ashley Weismantel) anxiously await the results of the Christmas Mega-millions lottery. No millions and the couple have no presents for one another. The only gift Robert has is a Christmas Tree ornament signifying they are second in line for their daughter’s transplant. A year later, Robert and their daughter passed due to COVID complications. Michelle is alone on Christmas with her mega-millions lottery ticket until the unimaginable happens.
“…alone on Christmas with her mega-millions lottery ticket until the unimaginable happens.”
The only weakness of Star Crossed is the transition from 2019 to 2020. What happened to Robert and Michelle’s daughter during that time needed to be more apparent. It needed to be worked over a few more times to really hit home the emotional impact and the turn in the narrative. This would allow Michelle not to have to go into so many details in the end.
Star Crossed hits hard on the idea that money can not bring you happiness, especially when set against the backdrop of devastating loss. Pat Bradley’s short film hinges on Ashley Weismantel’s performance at the end. It’s emotional and heartbreaking.
For more information about Star Crossed, visit the Pat Bradley official website.
"…emotional and heartbreaking."
