Short films are a category of films I often find are over-looked. Despite having an Oscar category, this form of art is not as widely viewed and appreciated by the public.
In light of the recent self-isolation most of us have begun to face due to COVID- 19, ample free time has opened up, making way for new hobbies, cooking recipes, and most importantly television.
After binge-watching almost every movie and series on various streaming platforms one might wonder what will come next in terms of viewing pleasure? To make that decision easier I have created a list of short films with genres ranging from romance to horror featuring Oscar-winning shorts—or just some of my most beloved, to begin your deep dive into the short film world.
Romance
1. ‘Hotel Chevalier’ (R, 2007)—by Wes Anderson
This is one of my favorite shorts! Wes Anderson has packed his full cheeky aesthetic into a 13-minute short film that unpacks the intricacies of a relationship between a hotel room hermit and his ex-girlfriend. The film takes place in a hotel in France and truly allows one to experience the wonder of an Anderson film in just a few minutes.
Click the video below to stream:
2. ‘Stutterer’ (PG, 2015)—by Benjamin Cleary
“Stutterer” is a charming short film about the virtual love affair of a man with a stutter and a woman he meets online. As he clicks away typing witty, sarcastic dialogue he hides his stutter behind his computer screen. This 2016 Oscar-winning short was featured in The New Yorker. It is heartwarming and precious, away perfect to pass the time during self-isolation.
Click the video below to stream:
Comedy/Horror
1. ‘Double Tap’ (NR, 2020)—by Eros Vlahos
Although an unlikely pairing, “Double Tap” is a clever short film that ventures into the consequences of refusing to like an Instagram post. This short is really short, but in just under 3 minutes “Double Tap” will make you jump from your seat and laugh all at the same time. This short was meant to be featured in the 2020 SXSW film festival, but due to COVID-19 it’s viewing was canceled and made available online for your viewing pleasure.
Click the video below to stream:
Drama
1. ‘SKIN’ (R, 2018)—by Guy Nattiv
“SKIN” is a moving short film that really sheds light on the racism that continues to penetrate American society today. A young boy has an innocent interaction with an African American man at a supermarket and his father decides to respond with violence. This ultimately leads to continued fighting between the two families, which results in dreadful consequences. This short film won an Academy Award for best live-action short in 2019, definitely worth a watch.
Click the video below to stream:
Have any suggestions for short or feature length films that you think our readers would like? Feel free to drop us a line in the comment section below!
