Welcome to the last day of Myron’s (Noah Stroehle) life. He may actually be just like you. Sitting at home, thunking down a beer, watching TV, and working at an aimless job, there’s never been any variety to his days, as a matter-of-fact God (voice of Alan Sklar) mulls over through narration. Naturally, being that Myron is so plain, and such a nothing in an everything world, his last day on Earth must predictably contain some sort of color.
We’ve seen the last days of people for years. Joe Gillis’ cynicism wasn’t helped by his time with Norma Desmond. Lester Burnham’s life wasn’t anything to crow about, until Angela of course. Director Luke Stettner takes an emotionally shattering turn with “Myron”. Using the desert backdrops of Arizona, he gives Myron a small interest in photographs that represent the desert. Like great filmmakers that have used vast locations before for personal stories, Myron meets Charlene, (Caroline Hatem) who lives alone like he does, but takes deep pleasure in pressing flowers and cactus, displaying on posters what the desert means through the plant life found there. In fact, he comes upon a package envelope dropped on his floor containing a satchel with a violet flower, which he brings to Charlene and that’s how it begins with them. It’s not one of those romances where they’re wild for each other simply because they’ve never met anyone so wonderful. It’s quiet contemplation here, as they simply appreciate each other’s company.
“Myron” is immensely moving, allowing for a few laughs by way of the voice of God, who treats Myron as yet another subject in this world of ours. He doesn’t take any sides, doesn’t begin to like or dislike any of what He examines, a wise opinion by writer Jason Feuerstein. After all, if there is any kind of Heaven, processing wouldn’t be able to take place as quickly if the higher-ups got personally involved with any number of people. The daily grind of the place would slow down completely. “Myron” does have the typical message of doing right by your own life, making sure that each day counts, but what a way to say it! This is why short films should be expanded into other markets. “Myron” says just as much in 17 minutes as a feature film would in 90, and Luke Stettner and Jason Feuerstein had better keep together for at least a few more films.
