Amaranthine (Short)
Writer-actor Marc Powers and director Evan Schneider tell a story about wandering in a post-apocalyptic world, but their story is not about the world that was destroyed, but a lost love left behind. “Amaranthine” begins with visions of happiness before thrusting us into the reality of the movie, which is one of isolation and loneliness. It doesn’t have to be lonely, however, when opportunity arises. But sometimes, the allure of what we don’t have but want is too strong, and it’s one of the reasons this film succeeds.
We begin on a beach. The sun is out, the ocean is beautiful, and Aimee (Jordan Tofalo) radiates in the light. Next, we see her in bed with Caleb (Powers), and they are affectionate with one another before Caleb awakes, and the world is far from what he’s seen in his memories. It is cold, desolate, and alone. He is having to scavenge to survive, and one day, he comes across a woman like him. When Shayleigh (Jen Drummond) asks to come with him, he eventually relents, saying that so long as she isn’t a drag on him, she can join him.
The heart of “Amaranthine” comes during a fireside talk between Caleb and Shayleigh, where she asks him about who he has in his life, and he talks about Aimee; his words have a pain and longing in them that reveals more than he wants to Shayleigh, and in this moment, the film Schneider and Powers set out to make seems to snap into focus. Caleb is not necessarily looking for someone to relieve him of his sadness, but motivation to continue forward. It’s a lovely poem to love that is never forgotten, and you understand the choices made by each of the characters by the end. This isn’t the type of movie you expect it to be, and that’s why I enjoyed it as much as I do.
TRAILER – "Amaranthine" Short Film (2020) from Hop Top Films on Vimeo.
This looks like it’ll be great, but Evan’s films always are. Can’t wait..:)