Curfew

Curfew is a 2012 short film that was directed, written, and produced by Shawn Christensen. It is a touching story about a man named Richie, played by Christensen himself, who is going through a tough time in his life. He is a former drug addict who has just been released from rehab, and he is struggling to reconnect with his sister and her young daughter, Sophia.

We first see Richie in a dingy bathroom stall, talking to himself and looking at his arms. He then leaves the bathroom and walks through the streets of New York. We soon learn that he has been asked to babysit Sophia for the night, which he reluctantly agrees to.

Sophia is a precocious and curious six-year-old who is fascinated by the world around her. She asks Richie endless questions, and he struggles to answer them. As the night progresses, we see Richie attempt to bond with Sophia. They play games, watch movies, and even dance to some music. Richie starts to let his guard down, and we see a softer side to him.

However, not everything is smooth sailing. Richie must deal with the fact that he is not supposed to leave the apartment after 10pm due to a curfew. He must also confront his past when he receives a call from an old friend.

Throughout the movie, we see flashbacks of Richie's life before rehab. We see him at a party, doing drugs, and getting into trouble. These flashbacks add depth to Richie's character and help us understand why he is the way he is.

The film is beautifully shot and has a great soundtrack, featuring songs from artists such as Sigur Ros and Band of Horses. The acting is also superb, with Christensen giving a nuanced and believable performance as Richie. The standout performance, though, comes from Fatima Ptacek, who plays Sophia. She brings a sense of innocence and wonder to the role, and her chemistry with Christensen is palpable.

Curfew is a heartbreaking and heartwarming film that explores themes of redemption, family, and love. It is a story about a man who is trying to make amends for his past mistakes and find a way to move forward. It is also a story about a little girl who is trying to understand the world around her and find happiness in the moments of her life.

Overall, Curfew is a must-watch film for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories and beautiful cinematography. It is a film that will leave you feeling emotionally fulfilled and inspired.