The curiosity and stupidity of three friends lead them towards an impossible scenario that goes from bad to worse, pushing the boundaries of family and friendship. in Michael Cooke’s debut short film, Care & Repair.
Back in 1994, future Oscar winner Danny Boyle gave us his debut film Shallow Grave, a cult classic that has had a lasting legacy on British cinema and beyond. The film was a critical and commercial success and launched Boyle’s career as one of Britain’s most acclaimed directors. Set in Glasgow Shallow Grave was a darkly comedic thriller about three friends who discover a dead body and a suitcase full of money in their flat. They decide to keep the money and dispose of the corpse, with deadly consequences.
With his own debut short, writer and director Michael Cooke has followed the Boyle blueprint to give us his own black comedy with Care and Repair, which also follows the trials and tribulations of three friends in Scotland. Stevie (played by our director Cooke), his brother John (played by his real-life brother John Cooke), and Neil (played by Hunter Bishop), are all handymen and they are ensconced by their gruff boss to clear the home of an elderly gentleman. After a lot of banter and a little bit of work, an accident occurs that leads our three friends toward some deadly consequences and some big decisions.
Considering this is Cooke’s first film, he shows some directorial flourishes that suggest he is a talented visual filmmaker by managing to create a dark, suspenseful, and often funny film. Cooke’s use of energy and pace makes sure that the film is never boring and this is enhanced by the rapid-fire delivery of his dialogue by the cast. He also uses a variety of camera angles and movements to create a sense of unease and suspense, particularly in a scene when John is crawling through a small cellar. As the plot develops and decisions have to be made, Cooke uses close-ups to great effect by capturing the fear and guilt etched on each of his character’s faces.
Szabo Kovacs Gabor is the Hungarian cinematographer and it is his European eye that gives Care & Repair its bold look. With his use of light, composition, and camera movements, Gabor creates a dark and unsettling atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s tone and themes. He often uses natural light to create a sense of realism but also uses artificial light to create more dramatic and atmospheric effects. There is a touch here of the Coen Brothers’ work with both Cooke and Gabor often framing their shots in ways that make the characters seem isolated and vulnerable. In the end, Cooke’s lack of directorial experience becomes a bonus as it means he is not afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles which results in a film that seems familiar yet feels quite original.
Care & Repair is a great short film with a sharp script, stylish direction, and excellent performances. It manages to explore themes of guilt, materialism, and the dark side of human nature in a way that is twisted, funny and always entertaining.
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