The idea of fight or flight has always confused me. We can say the one we’d choose, but how do we truly know what we’d pick until we really have to. Writer, Director and Producer of short film SUNDAY 11.00-12.00, Stelios Koukouvitakis, helps us to imagine this through his intense story.
After a good evening out, a couple are attacked on their way home, with the film revealing the consequences of their fight or flight reactions. It’s scary to think about, but I love how the film feels quite simple and natural against its quite heavy theme.
They say half of a film is what we can hear, and this one really uses diegetic sound to master this tough yet delicate way of storytelling. Sometimes we don’t need big chunks of dialogue to understand what’s happening, all we need is a clear picture and great acting to tell the story. Structure is also such an important thing, and I feel that this film was spot on. We knew what had happened but at the same time, we were confused and affected just like the characters on screen. The cinematography, editing and sound design were such important parts of the film, and I’m so glad work was put into all of these to really pull off something important.
There is a price to pay for everything we do, big and small. Koukouvitakis fantastically plays with this, showing that not only we are affected by our actions, but the people around us too. Danai Epithymiadi, who plays Woman (again, focusing on the story rather than pointless things; These people could be anyone), had such a charm yet worry, all shown through body and facial movements. To show emotions so big, in a way that really compliments and helps the story be told, is an amazing skill, and for me, Epiithymiadi is all of us in this fight or flight complex. Wanting to leave but feeling unsure and alone. Playing across from her is Lefteris Vasilakis as Man. It’s funny because surely, we’d want our partner to do anything for us, so we’d feel safe and protected, but in this story, it goes too far. I liked the mystery, the uncertainty, leaving us with questions and concerns, but the film finished well. It was satisfying yet left us wondering.
Who is right and who is wrong? It’s a question with many answers, but the tone and twists of this film push more than just that question to the characters and the audience. If you like a complex story which will stick with you, SUNDAY 11.00-12.00 is one to watch.