In
space, no one can hear a heart break—unless, the aggrieved lover decides not to
bear her disappointment in silence.
Confined environments are difficult places to work out relationship
problems as the crew of a two-person space station learns in writer-director Sabrina
Doyle’s short film 113 Degrees (trailer here), which screens
during the 2013 Brooklyn Film Festival.
Francesca
and Joe have grown close during their time in space together. At this point, they share the same bunk. It would seem to be an Eden-like situation,
but an interstellar call from Joe’s terrestrial wife serves as a rude awakening
for his commander. Disturbed by the
incident, she carries her agitation with her during a supposedly routine space
walk. This leads to serious complications.
Granted,
most romantic tragedies are not overly concerned with cooling systems, but the
guts of 113 involve the lovers’ betrayal
and sacrifice. This is really the sort
of film that uses science fiction trappings to tell a straight forward human
story. Indeed, it hits some deep chords. However, it is important to note Doyle,
producer Matilde Barbagallo, and editor Marian Jiménez are all women, lest the
film be accused of perpetuating the stereotype women are more likely to become
emotionally overwrought than men.
As
Francesca and Joe, Lizzy Davis and Brian Groh quickly convey a sense they share
some long, intimate history together.
They are a believably flawed couple.
However, his long haired hipster coif looks rather out of place. Even in the future, aside from space
tourists, most astronauts are still likely to be ex-military.
Regardless,
the rest of the production is technically quite impressive, especially
considering Doyle’s budget constraints. Hollywood
tent-pole veteran Greg Derochie’s VFX team convincingly renders Francesca’s
space walk outside the station and the deteriorating conditions within. One could easily believe this is the same
world as the Alien franchise or
Duncan Jones’ similarly scrappy Moon. Recommended for SF fans with a weakness for tales
of star-crossed love, the twenty-one minute 113
Degrees screens Monday (6/3) and Wednesday (6/5) as part of this year’s “Magnetic”
BFF.
