We have combined our draft reviews together to create a final draft:
Holly King is back from her popular debut ‘Forgotten’ with kitchen sink drama ‘Polly’, an insight into the life of a lonely teenager who finds comfort online. With realism that Mike Leigh would be proud of, the vignette takes us on a poignant journey with main character, 15 year old Polly, who’s pulled out of her isolation by mysterious Facebook friend Thomas Davidson. There is a great element of simplicity in this short film, however the suggestive camera work by Holly King in combination with this 'A-List' acting is really effective.
Polly is a unique film which exposes and explores the life of a lonely, isolated young girl, who spends her days repeating the same tedious routines with imagination as her only friend and the toll this can take. It explores how isolation can lead to disconnection from reality, and how unexpected company disrupts this human contact deprived individual and her monotonous world.
For a story that’s all set in one room, the journey is remarkably profound, every emotion shared between Polly and us. Despite little discernment into her past and present state of being, we can see the vacancy behind her non-socialite existence, one that Freya Murdock’s performance reflects with honesty.
Although touching and emotion filled, in some scenes the story did lack entertainment, making it an effort to watch as the plot became somewhat messy. The daily routine of Polly seems as equally tiresome to the audience as it is to her, which in a way is fantastic: we have an instant connection with Polly as we share her remorse. But we've come to the cinema to be entertained, and it feels that here, something is missing.
The camerawork is similar to that of ‘Waiting for the End of the World’ by Lee Deaville, using the same technique to dwell on the repetitive, tedious nature of the protagonist’s routine. A fantastic method that forces the audience to empathize with the characters.
Pink Penguin Pictures ™ have released another unpredictable, unique short film which has struck sentimental fondness in many viewers. Throughout the film, viewers connect with the girl and feel apart of her life, although there is no major crisis, this is a moving short film. The emotional trauma is subtle however moving as you feel you’ve connected with the girl. The climax of the film however was relatively disappointing and brief.
Anticipation: King is welcomed into the world of realism with open arms, a
genre we hope she stays in. 2
Enjoyment: Slight lack of entertainment, although worth the wait when the
performance and storyline get going. 3
In retrospect: Real emotion beautifully conveyed, raw realism 4
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