A young wahine is given her estranged birth mother’s ashes and whilst figuring out her lost grief, has to figure out what to do with them.
Lemons, directed by India Fremaux and written and produced by Caitlin Fremaux, is an evocative short film that delves into the emotional complexities of grief and family estrangement. With an 11-minute runtime, this indie dramedy presents a powerful narrative through its subtle storytelling and poignant character interactions. Consulting Producer Angela Cudd’s contributions further enhance the film’s depth and authenticity.
The central plot of Lemons revolves around a young wahine who is confronted with her estranged birth mother’s ashes. As she grapples with her unresolved grief, she faces the daunting task of deciding what to do with them. The screenplay is masterfully crafted, employing the "show, don't tell" technique to convey emotional depth. Long periods of silence allow the audience to engage with the characters' actions and mannerisms, such as the nervous fiddling with a coffee mug or avoiding eye contact, which speaks volumes about their internal struggles.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to communicate the awkwardness and hesitancy of the protagonist’s situation without overt exposition. The subtleties of the characters' interactions, coupled with the minimalist dialogue, create a raw and authentic portrayal of personal and familial conflict.
The camera work in Lemons is both stable and deliberate, providing a clear view of the characters while allowing their emotional states to come through naturally. The use of focus and blur is particularly impressive, as it effectively highlights or obscures elements within the frame without disrupting the overall balance of the scene. This technique enhances the film's emotional impact, drawing the audience's attention to the nuances of the characters’ expressions and interactions.
Lighting in the film feels natural, with muted colours that reflect the sombre tone of the narrative. The film's visual style complements its themes, creating a subdued and contemplative atmosphere. The naturalistic lighting and muted colour palette work harmoniously to support the film’s emotional landscape.
Lemons stands out as a distinctly Kiwi film, incorporating elements of local culture that ground the story in its setting. The use of swandrys and breadbags as makeshift plastic bags adds a touch of authenticity and local flavour. Additionally, the film’s exploration of the Te Reo language and Māori tradition adds another layer of cultural richness, enriching the narrative with a sense of place and identity.
There is a minor visual distraction involving the red reflections from an offscreen TV, which alters the colour hue of the actors’ faces in a certain close-up scene. While this is a small issue, it momentarily detracts from the film’s otherwise smooth visual presentation.
The intimacy of Lemons makes it feel like a glimpse into a larger, untold story. The film's exploration of grief and reconciliation is poignant and relatable, and it leaves the audience with a sense of longing to see more of the characters' journeys. The emotional resonance and depth of the narrative suggest that there is much more to be explored beyond the film’s current length.
Lemons is a thoughtfully crafted short film that effectively combines subtle storytelling with strong cinematic techniques. Directed with sensitivity and written with keen insight into human emotion, the film offers a compelling portrayal of grief and familial connection. Its stable camerawork, naturalistic lighting, and cultural nuances create a rich and engaging viewing experience.
The film’s ability to convey deep emotions through minimal dialogue and the effective use of visual techniques underscore its strength. Despite minor distractions, such as the red colour reflections, Lemons succeeds in capturing the essence of its characters and their emotional journey. It leaves viewers with a desire for a longer exploration of the story, highlighting the filmmakers' ability to create a profound and intimate narrative within a brief runtime.
Day One Hāpai te Haeata provides rangatahi with the tools, guidance and opportunities to share stories on screen.
The entire series of the eight short films premieres at Hollywood Avondale on Tuesday 3rd September, with all films then released online the following day - and socials thereafter.
View the shorts here