Everyone loves a sporting film which has an underdog story and a big win with probably the last shot; when it is done well it is hard not to be carried along by such a film. First Match has a similar setup but takes a different approach. (SPOILERS). The plot sees a teenage girl being the only one on her otherwise male wrestling team. She is good but as the film goes on we understand that it is something she is doing to connect to her distant father. The big match of the film does have him in attendance but it is waved off when the girl gets her period and blood-pause is called. The father leaves and this is where the film ends.
The direction is robust and responsible through, which is what gives the short its strong foundation. It doesn't have 'big' moments or overdo it for the spectacle, instead it is a small gym with few people and low stakes. Within this we have a very good subdued performance from Bakker, who holds a lot in, which is convincing for who she would really be. This is most effective in the interaction with her father, where she is more outward and positive - hopeful in her reaching out. The final shots of the film are telling in their impact and how sullen and silent she is. Her father clearly has pressure on him, maybe risking a job by being away even for a short time, but the impact on his daughter is clear and harsh.
This short has recently been made into a feature for Netflix and I will check it out to see if it can retain these strengths over a longer running time, but in the meantime this short has stood up well over the past 8 years, and is driven by a well observed restraint from director and actor.
The direction is robust and responsible through, which is what gives the short its strong foundation. It doesn't have 'big' moments or overdo it for the spectacle, instead it is a small gym with few people and low stakes. Within this we have a very good subdued performance from Bakker, who holds a lot in, which is convincing for who she would really be. This is most effective in the interaction with her father, where she is more outward and positive - hopeful in her reaching out. The final shots of the film are telling in their impact and how sullen and silent she is. Her father clearly has pressure on him, maybe risking a job by being away even for a short time, but the impact on his daughter is clear and harsh.
This short has recently been made into a feature for Netflix and I will check it out to see if it can retain these strengths over a longer running time, but in the meantime this short has stood up well over the past 8 years, and is driven by a well observed restraint from director and actor.
