An autistic student who is ‘othered’ attends an art class and is tasked by his teacher to create a painting about love
Wilbert Wire, directed and written by Ricky Townsend, is a charming and imaginative short film that blends elements of science fiction with family-friendly storytelling. With a runtime of 13 minutes, the film offers a delightful exploration of an autistic student's journey to understand the concept of love through a unique art assignment. Produced by Ella Waswo and co-produced by Joseph Chamsay, this short manages to captivate with its engaging premise and inventive execution.
The core of Wilbert Wire revolves around Wilbert Wire, an autistic student who finds himself at odds with his peers and the world around him. Tasked by his teacher to create a painting about love, Wilbert's attempt to comprehend and depict this complex emotion forms the crux of the film. The premise is both fun and thought-provoking, using the art class setting to explore broader themes of emotional expression and acceptance.
The film employs familiar stereotypes associated with autism—difficulty in expressing emotions, adherence to routines, and a fascination with trains—but it does so with a refreshing twist. Rather than reducing Wilbert to a mere collection of traits, the film embraces these characteristics to craft a narrative that is both endearing and insightful.
The opening scenes, featuring commercials and channel surfing, are a clever way to introduce the world of the film. These elements set up the narrative in an entertaining and engaging manner, creating a payoff that resonates throughout the film.
One of the standout aspects of Wilbert Wire is its set design and lighting. The art room, though occasionally marred by slightly shaky camerawork, is otherwise visually engaging, with a smooth tracking of the characters and their interactions. The film’s colour palette plays a significant role in establishing mood and tone. The use of a yellow gradient during the simulation scenes is particularly effective, creating a visual distinction that enhances the storytelling.
The lighting and colour choices extend to Wilbert’s home environment as well, where the warm yellows contribute to a sense of comfort and belonging. This thoughtful application of colour helps to underscore the emotional nuances of the film and highlights the contrast between Wilbert’s internal world and the external environment.
A notable highlight of the film is the simulation sequence, where Wilbert attempts to understand and enact love through mime and interpretative actions. This sequence is not only a brilliant showcase of physical storytelling but is also enhanced by a well-curated stock of sound effects and audio. The result is a dynamic and engaging “action” scene that effectively captures the complexity of Wilbert’s quest.
The sound design in Wilbert Wire is exceptional, blending seamlessly with the visual elements to create an immersive experience. The audio choices complement the film’s quirky tone and help to bring Wilbert’s imaginative simulation to life. The continued footage through the credits is a nice touch, adding an extra layer of engagement and continuity to the film.
Josiah’s portrayal of Wilbert Wire is a standout performance, bringing depth and charm to the character. Wilbert is portrayed with both humour and sensitivity, allowing the audience to connect with him on a personal level. The film includes small comedic elements that are well-placed, adding levity without detracting from the emotional core of the story.
While Wilbert Wire is a delightful and inventive short, there are areas where it could benefit from refinement. The bumpy camerawork in the art room can be distracting at times, though this is a minor issue in the context of the film’s overall charm. Additionally, while the use of stereotypes is handled with care, there is an opportunity to further deepen Wilbert’s character beyond the typical traits associated with autism.
Whimsical and heartfelt, Wilbert Wire successfully combines science fiction elements with a family-friendly narrative. Its creative approach to exploring love through the lens of an autistic student is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With standout performances, effective use of colour and sound, and a quirky, engaging storyline, the film offers a refreshing take on emotional expression and acceptance.
The film’s strong visual and auditory elements, combined with its thoughtful character portrayal, make it a memorable viewing experience. As a fun and inventive exploration of a complex theme, Wilbert Wire is a commendable addition to the world of short filmmaking, and it leaves a lasting impression through its unique approach and endearing storytelling.
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