FILM REVIEW:

BEAU (2022)

By Jeremy Julian

Relationships are complicated, especially when said ‘relationships’ begin to near a breaking point and are interrupted by codependency and one’s dreams. In Constance Tsang’s short film Beau, we examine how this philosophy plays out with a young couple who have been in a long term relationship but are at two very different points in their lives.

“The tone is set well. Simple, yet effective lighting and camera work are used to introduce us to Paloma”

The film centers around “Paloma”, played by Spencer Grammer and the titular character “Beau”, played by Chase Sui Wonders, and revolves around an important and intense day of their relationship.

The tone is set well. Simple, yet very effective lighting and camera work are used to introduce us to Paloma, a woman who seems to be living vicariously through her lover Beau, an artist prepared to give the most important presentation of her life. At the beginning of the short film, director Constance Tsang does an impressive job of establishing the dynamics of Paloma and Beau’s relationship, and the friction growing between them. Initially, the film shows Paloma as someone who wants to be involved in every major life decision Beau makes for herself. Early on, it is revealed that Beau is a former drug user, and it is a clear point of contention in the relationship. This revelation offers a haunting, yet realistic insight into what it’s like to battle addiction and also how hard it can be to help a loved one through such a trying time. Beau is under pressure due to the upcoming art showing and considers using again, and Paloma is fearful that Beau may break down and relapse. Through scenes like this, Tsang is able to create a realistic and haunting relatable relationship on screen.

“Grammar and Wonders both make excellent work of a film that gives us such a small, yet meaningful look into these characters' lives.”

Tsang conveys the issues of the two lovers well without needing to use much dialogue. The short film is mostly without a dynamic audio presence, and Tsang uses body language, atmosphere, and visuals to tell us much of the conflict and narrative. This is a worthwhile choice, as there isn’t a waste of words between these characters, and with this choice, one gives the viewers a way to interpret what the characters may be thinking and feeling. Grammar and Wonders both make excellent work of a film that gives us such a small, yet meaningful look into these characters' lives.

Tsang’s short piece touches on themes such as love, pressure, addiction, and pain, brilliantly using the two lovers in the film as vessels to convey these ‘themes’. It isn’t easy to touch on such heavy subject matter in such a limited time of 16 minutes and 4 seconds, so all cast and crew involved, especially the writer(s), Tony Yang and Constance Tsang, the cinematographer, Norm Li, and finally, once again, director Constance Tsang, should be commended for this tremendous effort.

Written by Tony Yang and Constance Tsang

Directed by Constance Tsang

Cinematography by Norm Li

Edited by Stephen Lee

Composed by Chase Deso

Here’s the link to watch the full short film: Beau