The Wanderer, written and directed by Michael Lavine, is a moody, black-and-white short film about a fateful encounter between life and immortality. In the woods, Hopper (Cody Kostro) is bleeding out from a stomach wound when he meets Morana (Alice Kremelberg), a mysterious and ethereal woman who offers him an unusual deal: he can survive, but only if he takes on her immortal curse.
She explains that by signing a contract and shooting her, he will inherit her eternal life, while she can finally be released from the burden of wandering forever. Hopper, however, questions her motivations and finds her surreal attitude unnerving.
Alice Kremelberg delivers a haunting performance as Morana, an immortal soul seeking release, in Michael Lavine’s short film The Wanderer.
“…he can survive, but only if he takes on her immortal curse.”
Filmmaker Michael Lavine tackles one of the most pressing questions humanity faces: putting off death as long as possible. We all want to live forever, but what if we get what we ask for? Is living into eternity a blessing or a curse? While the film doesn’t explore the ramifications of immortality, it does question whether the curse is worth it and what it takes to receive this so-called gift.
The Wanderer is brilliant in its 10-minute runtime. Shot in black and white, the short film gives off a Twilight-Zone vibe, making this supernatural tale feel real. Lavine’s story gets right to the point and puts us right in the shoes of our two lead characters played by Kostro and Kremelberg. With such heady questions, The Wanderer delivers a solid tale, allowing us to wrestle with Lavine’s central question.
"…Is living into eternity a blessing or a curse?"
