Fireflies in the Dusk is a clever, mind-bending short film that explores the complexities of love and expectation through a unique time-travel narrative. A couple – one a young woman living in Victorian England, and the other a strapping office-worker from the modern day – have fallen in love through heartfelt letters sent via time-portal. An outlandish premise – yes, but one that sets the stage for a wildly entertaining ride.
When Charlotte (played by Emily Goss) hurls herself through the time-portal to escape an arranged marriage in her restrictive Victorian world, she finally meets the man of her dreams from the future (played by Nick Ballard). However, the pair soon start to realise that love built on words alone does not always hold up in person. Co-writers Jonathon Hammond and Ryan Roach explore the disillusionment that comes when love doesn’t live up to the fantasy, while also examining how we apply those same rose-tinted glasses of romantic idealism to bygone eras in history.
Co-writers Jonathon Hammond and Ryan Roach explore this disillusionment that comes when love doesn’t live up to the fantasy, while also examining how we apply those same rose-tinted glasses of romantic idealism to bygone eras in history.
Emmy-nominated Hammond is also at the directing helm of this light-hearted story with a dark edge, and delivers a romance tale that is as endearing as it is twisted. Whilst capturing the heartwarming spirit of stories like Disney’s Enchanted, where a girl in a poofy gown from another world stumbles into the modern day, Hammond’s approach takes what might seem formulaic into a sharp, dramatic twist, exchanging sugary sweetness for the macabre.
Hammond’s approach takes what might seem formulaic into a sharp, dramatic twist, exchanging sugary sweetness for the macabre.
The performances are excellent across the board from the ensemble cast – Nick Ballard and Emily Goss are irresistibly fun, fully embracing their campy rom-com montages and dramatic rain scenes with charm and panache. The character of Cecil (played by Hale Appleman) is a standout performance from the outset, and works perfectly in contrast with the modern sass of office workers Breanna (played by Jade Catta-Preta) and Martin (played by Drew Droege).
This short film, which premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival, is a comedic and genre-bending gem that takes viewers on a hilarious and unpredictable journey that is sure to shock and entertain in equal measure.
Theo Ashford
Rating: 5/5
