The Stars Align is short and snappy. With a runtime of 4 minutes, this interesting new drama uses its tight form to tell a compact yet simple story. We follow the character of Sarah: a performer going in for an intense movie audition. She’s nervous but strong, and ready to put up a fight. Our protagonist comes face to face with Laura, the domineering director whose quest for perfection in her actors sparks the conflict of the film. As the story progresses, we begin to realise not only that the relationship between the two characters is perhaps not what it seems, but that Sarah has emotional layers to her as well as a connection to the character she’s playing. The movie is original and a most pleasing watch due to its complex characters, great performances, and well-crafted direction. There’s a great deal which we as the audience can sink our teeth into and consider, in terms of substance and subject-matter, which makes the piece more engaging than your average short.

It’s technically very competent; constructed with strong ability and awareness of shot types and their respective powers. In terms of the cinematography, it’s also a nicely lit movie with a terrific colour grade – simple yet effective. The viewer is never distracted by the visuals – since they hold a natural, restrained quality – and so we can spend all of our time considering the scenario and the intentionality of these fascinating individuals. In particular, the use of closeups on faces works fantastically since the viewer’s attention is drawn to the nuances of expression. Through the camera and the staging, we’re forced to consider what is performance and what is reality; how much is our protagonist’s face emoting and contorting with skillful craft and purpose, and how much is part of the act? If there’s an obvious flaw with the picture, it’s that – despite my saying that the style’s restraint works as a strength – one would also appreciate slightly more experimentation. By incorporating perhaps one or two more abstract or cinematic ideas into the mix (for instance, more dynamic camera movement), the work would feel richer and denser.

But the highlight of The Stars Align is undoubtedly its story concept and themes. It all feels very La La Land inspired (to the point where one of the characters makes an off-handed reference); specifically, it’s in its discussion of devotion to craft and the pains of the entertainment industry which feels most inspired by the popular Damien Chazelle film. The original deliberations, however, come in the layered reality – and at times dramatic irony – this movie chooses to play with. If it doesn’t feel clear at first, it certainly does by the end. This is an intelligent script, and one which probes our relationship to performance and personal craft. As the tagline reads “WHEN DREAMS MEET RUTHLESS AMBITION”, this is in a sense completely about art, criticism, and how we relate to others through those two modes of thought. The film paints an intriguing portrait of these things, and does so with passion.