Short Film: Certified

"Certified" written and directed by Luke Guidici

Adapted from Saki's short story "The Open Window"

"Certified" is a comedy short film that brings a classic short story into the modern day.  In it, new postman Frank Nuttel is delivering a certified letter to the Sappleton family home, when he's met with a tragic tale from young Alice.  Inviting Frank into the house until her Aunt can come and sign for the letter, Alice presents a platter with four drinks before explaining that two of the drinks are for her absent Uncle and Cousin, and she’s got quite the story to tell about their whereabouts.

What's so impressive about this short film is that it's success is entirely incumbent upon the performance of the girl, who ends up being quite charming, despite her young age.  In addition to the a pair of very solid performances by the film's leads, this is an extremely good-looking film. The cinematography is crisp, the composition spot-on, and the story is well paced.

The fact that the story is somewhat predictable, it's still a fun ride and well worth watching.

"In 1950's rural America, a postman's first day takes a terrifying turn when a precocious young girl tells him of her family's horrible tragedy."

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