Two estranged sisters take a camping trip across rural England in order to reignite their relationship in the short drama film Gates. Here is our review.
Opening with some gorgeous shots of the English countryside, Gates soon introduces two sisters Grace (Iona Champain) and 17-year old Ella (Lily Walbeoffe) as they struggle to put up a tent and make pasta without the luxury of a hob or even pasta sauce. This isn’t a happy family camping trip though. In an attempt to both reconcile their relationship and make sure her younger sister doesn’t make any bigger mistakes than she already has, Grace has dragged Ella out of her comfort zone.
We follow the two sisters as they trek in all weather conditions, break into people’s break yards in order to use their outdoor taps so they can drink and wash themselves, and even shoplift from a local store, opting to take a bottle of vodka instead of more essential provisions. Throughout, it is obvious the two sisters haven’t been close in recent years, due to the fact that Ella asks Grace some normal questions that, had they been close, she’d already know the answer to, such as asking if she has a boyfriend, and where does she work.
Whilst at times it does look like the siblings are having fun and enjoying each other’s company, this all does come to head when an argument breaks out between them both and some home truths are released upon one another. There is pain in their past and, even though neither is at blame, they seem to believe that each is somehow responsible in some small way.
The cinematography by Liam Bracey is fantastic with beautiful shots of the sisters’ journey, spliced with exceptional photography of the countryside, sheep, rain on fences, big oak trees, and more. It is lensed to perfection throughout the (just under) 40-minute run time.
One other aspect that really sets Gates apart from many other independent short dramas we have seen in recent years, is the incredible soundtrack. On multiple occasions, Pickup opts to use haunting acoustic songs from some great up-and-coming talents. The songs work hand-in-hand with the visuals on screen and leave a lasting impression.
My absolute favourite part of Gates though was the two mesmerising performances by its leading ladies. Both Iona Champain and Lily Walbeoffe are startlingly good as Grace and Ella; so much so, that you’d be forgiven for thinking that the two actors weren’t actually acting. There are no forced performances here. No scenes that are chewed up by over-the-top acting. Each gives it their all in an attempt to make us believe that we are a fly on the wall, watching two real sisters trying to work over their past issues. It was a real treat to watch them both trek along the country and try to reconcile their differences. If Gates is anything to go by, then I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of them.
Talking about someone with a bright future, Josh Pickup is already proving that he is a director to watch out for. He graced Screen Critix back in 2019 with his short film This is ME, and now he has outdone himself with Gates. If he is showing himself to be such an accomplished filmmaker already, with just two directing credits to his name, one can only imagine what is to come from the young auteur.
Gates is an interesting short drama, held together by two astonishing performances by its leading actors, and some fantastic direction. It comes highly recommended.
Leave a Reply