Don’t you just hate when you finally get settled into bed and then realize that you may not have locked the front door? Well, that’s where Steven (Brad Ash) has found himself tonight. So, as Steven journeys downstairs to check on that door, he finds some odd individuals in his house. What comes after is sure to shock everyone.
The Front Door is simple and, to be quite honest, is only interested in entertaining its viewers, not exploring some grandiose theme. I struggled to find a hidden meaning or any ulterior motive in writer-director Andrew Rutter’s comedic short. It is quite lovely to have a film that simply wants to be an enjoyable ride every once in a while. It allows viewers the opportunity to escape the realities of the world and appreciate the artistic talents of all involved. Rutter captures simple but hilarious comedy, and the audience is sure to enjoy the oddities within.
While I can’t say much about the unique situation in which the protagonist finds himself, it seems the reality is that the majority of individuals would struggle to remain composed when in Steven’s shoes. Yet, here he is, in all of his sarcastic glory, slaying the awkward beast that plagues his evening and coming out smelling like roses. As Steven contemplates the many possibilities of having these intruders in his home, his ability to remain calm makes him relatable, and his personality becomes coveted by viewers.
“…Steven journeys downstairs…[and] finds some odd individuals in his house.”
I’ve always strived to be the person who’s comfortable in all situations, regardless of the severity. As such, it makes sense that I’d enjoy characters in television and movie that possess that quality, like Steven. The Front Door presents viewers with an image of the kind of person they’d like to be in their day-to-day, and it’s Ash who brings that figure to wonderful life. Ash’s Steven is a bit quirky, unassuming, and maybe even a little odd, all of which is relatable and fun.
As Hollywood seems to be trending toward reboots, sequels, and the like, finding completely new content seems to be becoming far more difficult than ever before. I admire filmmakers when they can bring something unique to the world of cinema, and that’s exactly what Rutter does here with The Front Door. I admire what he is able to accomplish in just a short six minutes.
The Front Door is one-of-a-kind, and I think I’d be hard-pressed to find something that exists in the same realm as this dark (even a bit sadistic) comedy. I love what Rutter achieved, and the genuine talent of Ash and the combination of the two created something new and riveting. The short will keeps viewers engaged, and that’s a testament to these two men. It is twisted and funny in an unconventional way, but most importantly, it’s entertaining. Rutter has found his own space in the world of cinema, and he fills it with great vigor.
"…Rutter has found his own space in the world of cinema, and he fills it with great vigor."
