Directed by: Martin Ponferrada Carlo Sardon Luz Rodríguez-Basavilbaso Written by: Martin Ponferrada Genre: Drama |
Sí
Sí is a 10-minute short film that plays with the notions of choice, ethical dilemmas, and the lasting damage caused by rape. The film introduces Anita (Luz Rodríguez-Basavilbaso) and Carlo (Carlo Sardon) as two single people meeting up and then hooking up. As Sí then takes us to Anita's apartment, it also ups the moral ante when Anita reveals she has been drugged and raped in the past.
The emotional results that come from Anita's shocking admission weigh heavy on not Anita herself but on Carlo, who at first doesn't exactly know how to handle the information. The night progresses, and the two find themselves seated on a couch, ready to do what many sexually active couples do when Carlo pulls away. He has serious reservations about what is supposed to come next. Both Carlo and Anita have been drinking, and Carlo fears he may be taking advantage of her. Anita, though, really wants what is supposed to come next. But does she? Or is that just the booze talking? Carlo doesn't want to be that guy, but Anita insists that she knows what she's doing. What a night. The key points Sí plays around with are the ideas of consent and control. Anita feels that by being a gentleman and pulling away from a sexual encounter, Carlo is still demonstrating dominance over Anita. He may be trying to do the right thing, but he's taking away her choice to decide what she wants. This is an interesting idea to play with because what Sí it forces anyone watching to "really" think about issues of control and power. It also focuses on the idea that sometimes people overthink things in general. It was interesting to watch these two characters dance around and around a touchy topic. But it was also really awkward to watch. Why did this title feel a little awkward? Because it borders on what I consider unbelievable. Sí is a great statement piece, but it's a little unrealistic. I think. I just can't wrap my head around the whole situation of two people coming home from a club and going around and around as Carlo and Anita do in the film. I could believe Carlo's reservations after finding out what happened to Anita. I could believe that he would at first stop, to make absolutely sure she was getting into a situation she wanted. But after that first round, I simply can't believe it would go on and on like that, especially after Anita's speech about taking away her choices. All these thoughts I'm having 'after the fact' didn't stop me from enjoying the film; however, these are things I thought of after. This title is more a conversation piece than anything else, and that's completely okay. It may seem a little unrealistic sometimes, but it does have a message to get across, and the message comes through loud and clear. Sí would be a great film to start a serious conversation with. Some education and a good viewing experience all around. Thank you for reading. |
