FILM REVIEW:

AGONY TO ECSTASY (2020)

By Quinton Bishop
01/24/2023

“When you get off work what do you do?”. This is a question we should all think about. It can tell a lot about us -- whether it be what our hobbies are, the type of person we are, or the type of people we like to put ourselves around. But for all of us, it answers a second question as well. What do we do to get away from it all? To get away from the stresses, the anxiety -- the overwhelming burden of thinking about the world and society.

“Dancing in a club full
of people and yet feeling alone, but in the best way possible.”

Mac portrays the answers to these questions in a way that makes us question even further why we do what we do. Why we are the way we are. Dancing in a club full of people and yet feeling alone, but in the best way possible. It makes you realize that we sometimes get together to collectively get away.

“Wanting to forget isn’t always the best thing, but it’s ok to slip up.”

We also have to be aware that sometimes itching to get away gets in the way of life. Wanting to forget isn’t always the best thing, but it’s ok to slip up. Admitting when the chase for that euphoric feeling of happiness turns into something that hinders success is something I personally struggle with. Constantly wanting to feel free, I sometimes dismiss reality. Prioritizing the highs makes me forget about handling my lows -- some things can feel so good that you don’t notice it’s hurting you.

As we get older, our inner child still needs time to radiate. It needs to be able to express itself, either alone or with the other inner twelve year olds around us. The need to fulfill that inner child also allows us to look at how we become vulnerable. Opening up and feeling every emotion, good or bad, is like a reset. Releasing it all so we don’t bring it into the next day. Being able to just forget about the hatred we sometimes have for the world and being able to feel the greatness it has to offer makes us appreciate our time here and the people we have around us.

The captivating imagery of the club scene, shots of skating around beautiful scenery, and the movement of the body in water all provide a sense of calmness. Moments in which we each find peace and sometimes happiness are slowed down to really appreciate the seconds, minutes, hours we have until it’s back to reality, until we must tuck our inner child away and get back to the real world for the time being. Agony to Ecstasy asks the important questions and the commentary brings up deeper
questions we must answer to ourselves.

Written by Cal Mac and Paul Mccormack

Directed by Cal Mac

Cinematography by Cal Mac

Edited by Cal Mac

Here’s the link to watch the full short film: Agony to Ecstasy

FILM REVIEW:

AGONY TO ECSTASY (2020)

“Dancing in a club full of people and yet feeling alone, but in the best way possible.”

“Wanting to forget isn’t always the best thing, but it’s ok to slip up.”

“Dancing in a club full
of people and yet feeling alone, but in the best way possible.”