Stop/Eject

Stop/Eject is a captivating short fantasy-drama film released in 2014. The film stars talented actors Therese Collins, Oliver Park, and Georgina Sherrington, who brilliantly bring the engaging story to life. Directed by the seasoned Neil Oseman with a running time of just under 18 minutes, it brings an emotionally charged tale to viewers with some visually striking scenes that engage and thrill throughout its duration.

The story revolves around a grief-stricken widow who discovers an old tape recorder that has the power to stop and rewind time. Therese Collins plays the lead role of Kate, a woman left devastated by the sudden loss of her husband, Dan (played by Oliver Park). Dan was the owner of a small yet enchanting curiosity shop before his untimely death. Kate struggles to come to terms with her loss, and in her despair, she clings onto her husband's possessions, and it's in this sentimental search that she stumbles upon a peculiar artifact.

This quirky device, seemingly ordinary at first, reveals itself to be an old cassette tape recorder. It is nothing out of the ordinary, especially for Dan's shop filled with curious items. But to Kate's surprise, this is no ordinary tape recorder. The device, akin to a magical remnant of the past, has the power to stop time and then rewind it when the 'stop' or 'eject' buttons are pressed, thereby spiraling the person who interacts with it backwards in time.

Kate, in her emotional vulnerability, finds comfort in the possibility of visiting a past when her beloved husband was still alive. Yet, her journey through time is more than a sentimental trek, and she must grapple with decisions and questions about altering the past, the fragility of life, and the process of moving on amidst profound loss.

Oliver Park's portrayal of the deceased husband Dan, though fleeting, leaves a lasting impression. Georgina Sherrington plays Alice, a supporting yet crucial character in the film; her association with the lead characters lends both tension and emotional depth to the narrative structure. The performances of all the actors are compelling, bringing a depth of authenticity and intensifying the emotional reach of the film.

Stop/Eject doesn’t confine itself to being just another take on the conventional time-travel theme. While it does provide the tension and unpredictability typically associated with the genre, at its heart, the film explores deeper themes of love, loss, and healing. The film captures the realities of human emotions, from the darkness of grief to the perplexed desperation of wanting to change the past, and the struggle to find acceptance and closure.

Although the film drew its initial audience with its inventive sci-fi premise, the emotional narrative is what sets it apart. Stop/Eject is as much a story about relationships and the human condition as it is about time travel. With a touch of supernatural intrigue, the film skillfully balances its cinematic elements to create an allure that keeps audiences engaged and emotionally invested.

The film's production values are commendable. Director Neil Oseman's confident and creative storytelling, combined with Richard Addlesee's sharp editing, creates a gripping short film. Stop/Eject delivers a visually appealing film, with the sets and locations creating a rich backdrop that adds to the narrative's fantastical elements. The film's sound design also plays a crucial part, marking key moments in the plot while enhancing the overall ambiance.

In summary, Stop/Eject is a dramatic fantasy ride that beautifully intertwines a clever premise with profound human experiences. While it may be a short film, it offers a compelling and thoughtful narrative that leaves a lasting impression. It is an intrinsically moving film that combines the fantastical elements of time travel with a poignant exploration of grief and acceptance. Despite the somber undertones, the film carries an inherent warmth and humanity that promises to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll, marking it as a 'must-watch'.