This is an amazing look at how past experiences impact our present lives. It makes you realize you should not take those deja vu feelings for granted. The director did a superb job of making you feel you are there in the lives of these characters, experiencing their emotions. The believability and variety of the characters added to the authenticity of the film. The music and ballet scene touch your heart and soul. I've seen other dance performances, but nothing like the tremendous talent of these dancers. This short film has a surprisingly strong impact. The story has a true beginning, middle and ending that stays with you.
2 Reviews
'Fate's Shadow' Feels Like Two Very Different Films
aramidetinubu22 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Love is universal; it's something that many humans across the globe aspire to give and receive. Unfortunately, because of our patriarchal, sexist, and misogynist society, one in four women find themselves in emotional or physically abusive relationships with men. In her short film Fate's Shadow, director Michelle Arthur explores the bonds that bind some women in unhealthy situations when forces within themselves and surrounding them are screaming for them to get out. Eva (Michelle Arthur), is a woman desperate to find a way out of her relationship with the philandering boyfriend Zachary, who disrespects her at every tum.
Eva chooses to seek hypnotherapy in a desperate attempt to shatter any illusions she still has about him. In her sessions, she learns that she and Zachary were soul maters in a past life. However, Zachary's past self choose money over his love for her. It's a scenario the Eva watches play out on stage in the form of dance while attending a performance of the Carmen III ballet.
As the dancers move gracefully across the stage, we literally see the chaos in Eva and Zachary's relationship unfold. However, at just over a 10 minute run time, Fate's Shadow doesn't feel like a cohesive piece. While commentaries on emotional abuse and soul ties in relationships are worthy and important topics, the ballet and Eva's story never quite swirl around together in perfect harmony, it felt like two different projects spliced into one.
As a short, Fate's Shadow has some great ideas sprinkled throughout. However, it's not solid enough to stand up as a fully fleshed out idea on its own. Without more details surrounding Eva and Zach's relationship it reads as a solo dance performance capturing the moment rather than a foundation for a feature-length film on women's empowerment and an examination of toxic relationships.
As the dancers move gracefully across the stage, we literally see the chaos in Eva and Zachary's relationship unfold. However, at just over a 10 minute run time, Fate's Shadow doesn't feel like a cohesive piece. While commentaries on emotional abuse and soul ties in relationships are worthy and important topics, the ballet and Eva's story never quite swirl around together in perfect harmony, it felt like two different projects spliced into one.
As a short, Fate's Shadow has some great ideas sprinkled throughout. However, it's not solid enough to stand up as a fully fleshed out idea on its own. Without more details surrounding Eva and Zach's relationship it reads as a solo dance performance capturing the moment rather than a foundation for a feature-length film on women's empowerment and an examination of toxic relationships.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews