A couple goes to therapy as they have come to the point where they want to kill each other. Once there, they talk and come to a solution that keeps them both happy.
Written and directed by Noah A. Waters III, Relationship Killers is a dark humored short film that brings two interesting characters to a therapist where they can discuss their issue and give the film all the exposure it needs in a short time without it feeling forced. The film has, of course, a twist and this twist works quite well. Overall, the dark humor works, the twist works, the short runtime also works to the film’s advantage. The way this is written and directed shows how much can be done with as short film without losing anything in storytelling.
The cast here is kept minimal as there is no need for more. In the leads are Lexsy McKowen and Assia Lau’ren as Bedegraine Blythe and Bravien Blythe respectively. They play rather different characters who are the couple at the center of it all. Most of the film is spent watching them discuss things in their life they are not happy with and going through a series of emotions. Both performances here are great, setting the film up for success as they make it their own and give it their all. A few more people are involved in the story, the therapist, the therapy practice receptionist, a crying woman, and a woman in a photo. Here, everyone does good work, but the film is most definitely about the couple and McKowen and Lau’ren are the shining stars here.
The film also makes the most of its locations and images with cinematography by Carley Steichen who brings the film to live with their work, making it a beautiful short film to watch. The editing by Krystal Alexandria and the music by Adele Etheridge Woodson help round out the look and mood of the film with quality work. Their work here is given a chance to shine and by doing so it gives all the room the leads need to do their work and make this short film something memorable.
Relationship Killers is a funny, dark humored, effective short film. It’s un-complicated and makes great use of its setting and its cast. In a way, it reminds one of the 2018 Michael Varrati short film He Drinks. As it is, this short film works as is, no need for a longer runtime and plenty here to enjoy.