The Offer (I) (2015) User Reviews

The Offer the amazing new film by Winnifred Jong ******SPOILERS*******

[quebear47 · 9/10 · 11 February 2016]

******CONTAINS SPOILERS******

The offer is a short film by talented up and coming director Winnifred Jong and stars Hugh Dillon & Sergio Di Zio all of whom have worked together before on the highly acclaimed series Flashpoint.

Sergio plays Gabe a door-to-door salesman who is trying to get people to buy of all things in this day and age encyclopedias without much success as the opening scene sees him trying to engage with people he meets on the street only to be completely ignored, Hugh who plays Richard enters the plot raising from bed in a house where all his belongings are packed into boxes with no explanation as to why.

With a knock at the door Gabe within seconds charms his way into Richard's home assuring him that his books will answer all the questions he has ever wished to know the answer to, and here these two actors under Winnie's superb direction excel and during this funny and touching scene they leave you without a doubt feeling the strong chemistry between these two total strangers and although at that point in time you can't put your finger on why you just know they have a strong connection and have met for a serious reason.

This film is beautifully filmed, highly emotional and flows flawlessly making 10 minutes fly by but you MUST watch it a couple of times to see the little subtle glimpses of brilliance that makes you realise all is not what it seems, the phone has a dialling tone but isn't connected, the only person that can see Gabe is Richard and why at the end of the film apart from the boxes and an empty ashtray there is no indication that there has ever been anyone there.

That's when it hits you, the actual reason for all the boxes and that I will leave you to work out for yourself but remember Gabe has come to help him with the parting line "It won't be long now".

This film is beautifully written, superbly acted and will make you cry.

It is a MUST SEE film and I have no doubt there are more awesome films to come from this extremely talented lady.

You Should Not Miss This Film

[amysequenzia · 10/10 · 20 December 2015]

The story is seemingly simple but very well told. The camera moves smoothly through the set, and brings us inside, as if we are invisible characters, part of the story.

The acting is nothing less than superb. The subtleties already present in the script turn into mesmerizing lines in the voices of Hugh Dillon and Sergio Di Zio. It is hard to believe that it all happens in less than 10 minutes, that so much is told, even if not said, in such a short time.

I don't know if this was the idea but the film left me thinking about all that wasn't in the dialogues, but were nevertheless said in between the lines, in the eyes of the actors and in the way the camera moved from scene to scene. The music ties everything nicely.

Hugh Dillon and Sergio Di Zio are already well known and their work is fantastic. Very happy to see great work from Director Winnifred Jong and writer Daniel Godwin.

Excellent film!

The Offer - Who Can Refuse this Offer?

[swong-45254 · 10/10 · 23 December 2015]

The following review may contain some spoilers:

The Offer is a short film that takes viewers on a quick ride of varying emotions, but leaves one to sit and ponder the entire meaning of the film itself. The film offers a nice blend between comedy and drama between its two main stars, Hugh Dillon and Sergio Di Zio (ironically,both from the Canadian produced drama, Flashpoint).

Hugh plays Richard, a man who appears to be on the verge of depression, and whose life is all compartmentalized in various boxes. As acounterpoint to Richard's character, enter Sergio. He plays Gabe, an ever bubbly encyclopedia door-to-door salesperson, who somehow charms his way into Richard's home and sells him an actual set of encyclopedias. Who would've thought that in this day and age this would still even exist when one can go to the internet and either Google or Wiki the topic of choice?

First time director, Winnifred Jong, does an amazing job at directing Hugh and Sergio, bringing out the best of their acting qualities. The dynamic between these two actors is genuine and believable as seen in their subtle looks and movement between both of them. Not only is the directing of the actors fantastic, but so is the direction of scenery and music to bring forth the right mood. I was surprised at how much she was able to put into 10-12 minutes on screen, but I equally satisfied with the end result as well.

She is on her way to becoming a phenomenal director! The ending of her film leaves one wondering and pondering about life itself and how a set of encyclopedias changed one man's life.

Special kudos go out to Ted Stokes (Flashpoint, Orphan Black). Without even speaking a line, he's able to convey his character's annoyance for Gabe, all through his facial and body (or lack thereof) expression.

If you're looking for a film that provides you emotional impact in a short amount of time, this is one to watch. Or, if you're looking to catch old time Flashpoint favourites, Hugh and Sergio in action, the you've definitely got to watch this one and see friends reunite to create a film to remember. An excellent film!

My review addressed to the director, Winnie Jong. Brilliant!

[ncb-38250 · 23 December 2015]

To the greatest director ever... wow Winnie! I read the script and for you to take those words off the paper and add such dimension was marvelous! The acting, lighting, pauses, suspense, music, echoes... One is drawn to the characters like in a British drama - and you do it brilliantly in a few short minutes.

It's an artsy, creative piece - something you might find on the wall of an art gallery rather than in a movie theater - open for interpretation, has depth and meaning and yet can be enjoyed by the layman as well as those with insight and intellect.

My personal definition of a good movie is one that stays with you in a positive way. This one fits the bill!

Great job to you and your whole team!