Billy (Bryan Webb) is suffering in squalor, his only wealth a large accumulation of bills due. His life takes a turn for the better, however, when he washes his clothes in the apartment complex’s new washing machine, the Saturn Moneymaker. Not only do his clothes come out clean, empty pockets are suddenly filled with money. Everything is looking great, until one day the machine ceases to give money.
Lorenzo Pomari’s The Washing Machine is a short tale that explores ideas of wealth, poverty and gratitude. Billy’s reaction when faced with the end of his free money is one of a spoiled, entitled child. He should get more money because… well, because he’s already been given it, so he must be owed more…
The film plays fantastical, but has a simple message. It doesn’t stray from its main narrative, or puff itself up beyond necessity. It’s the proper length, well-executed and it gets the point across. You may guess what’s going to happen, but that doesn’t make the journey to the end unpleasant. A more than suitable short film that reminds us to be thankful for the gifts we’ve been given.
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