The Republican

Writer-director Jon Navarro’s short film, The Republican, throws audiences straight into the chaos of a presidential election, where ambition, patriotism, and betrayal come to a head. This short political thriller dives into the dark underbelly of American politics, where a single gunshot can change the course of history.

On the night of his historic election, New York Senator Joseph Ocasta (Alan Rodrigues), a bold and controversial Republican reformer who takes the stage to deliver his victory speech, denouncing unions as forces holding America hostage. But before he can finish, a sniper rifle goes off, leaving him gravely wounded. As Ocasta fights for his life in the hospital, federal agents Lihn Gunn (Ariel Kim) and Don Thompson (Edgar Jims) begin investigating a conspiracy that reaches deep into Ocasta’s inner circle.

With the nation in chaos and the line of succession uncertain, suspicion turns toward Ocasta’s running mate, Governor Wilson Henry (Gavin Bazalar), campaign manager Kendrick Koleman (Shabazz Ray), and Chief of Staff Florence Rivers (Paula Patiño). Though all seemed loyal at first, hidden motives soon came to light. With the clock ticking, agents scramble to uncover the conspirator before democracy collapses.

The Republican explores the corruption, ambition, and illusion of choice embedded in modern American politics. He examines how power can twist values and allegiances and how those closest to it often become complicit in its decay. Navarro uses the assassination plot not only as a suspense device but also as a metaphor for the fragility of democracy and the moral compromises made in pursuit of power. Through Senator Joseph Ocasta’s rise and fall, Navarro wonders whether genuine reform can survive in a system built on manipulation, ego, and fear.

“A single gunshot can change the course of history.”

The Republican has all the moxie of an indie short thriller that I love. For filmmaker Jon Navarro, this is his attempt to bring the excitement of a political thriller. He sets the tone for a high-stakes game of power and murder, creating three distinct suspects whose motives overlap in unexpected ways.

This is also a very indie film. Navarro splices together footage he shot with some stock news footage. C’mon, send this guy some money for professional cameras and sound. Ultimately, the transitions should appear seamless, and the sound should be crisper. All these improvements cost money.

The Republican moves fast, almost too fast. Slow down a bit to clearly establish your characters at the start, then gradually ramp up the pace. The same applies to the story’s reveals. There should be no question in the audience’s mind about who did it and why.

While The Republican shows its indie roots, Navarro’s vision and storytelling instincts shine through. With sharper production values and a steadier pace, this could easily expand into a feature-length political thriller. As it stands, it’s a bold and ambitious short that captures the tension, paranoia, and power struggles at the heart of modern American politics.