A Short A Day returns with the amazing sci-fi piece The Gift.

Synopsis

A man visits another gentleman bearing a box on Christmas.

Review

What I think struck me most about The Gift is the expert craftsmanship used in its creation. Every shot is beautifully lit, framed, and graded. The CGI looks like it belongs there and doesn’t stand out as something that was inserted in post. It looks like everything was there on the set the day of shooting.

Sound is another wonderful part of this short film. The soundtrack is composed of many subtle layers. So many layers, in fact, that I had to go back and watch this a few times with headphones on to pick up all of them. And they all seem to fit in with the visuals, not overpowering them, to make an even more realistic, believable world.

And yet with all of these stunning visuals and soundscape, there is virtually no language (it was part of a Phillips Cinema Parallel Lines contest.) That’s not a bad thing. The lack of language doesn’t detract from the story. Indeed, it makes it more universally accessible. This story is told purely through sight and sound. Even the robot butler seems to emote himself, despite not having a face capable of showing emotion.

What did you think of The Gift? Leave a comment below.

Information

Genre: Sci-Fi
Country: Russia
Release Year: 2010
Runtime: 4 mins, 39 secs.
Directed by: Carl E. Rinsch