Happy Birthday and Felicidades
Have you ever felt being drawn closer to a film like you are actually a part of it? This is what I felt when I watched the short film Happy Birthday or Felicidades. This short film is about a single mom who would want to give the best birthday celebration for her two kids. So, she decided to go on a trip and give them a fun-filled experience in a foreign place. As much as mom tries so hard to make the day perfect for her kids, there are still a few things that serve as setbacks to the celebration. The day has started well but ended up in the wrong situation. The ending is hanging and made me long for more from this film.
I liked how this short film gives that roller coaster of feelings and emotions. All the good vibes and positivity ignited by the mom to her kids is contagious. I feel like I am also part of the film and feeling all the positive vibes from this film. It is a happy film to watch. And even if there are troubles along the way, the vibe that the film extends to the viewers is still on a positive note. After all the optimism, the ending is just heartbreaking. The problem became a disaster ending the birthday celebration on a not-so-positive note. At some point, I understand the mom as she only wants to give a good birthday celebration to her kids. No matter what problems occur along the way, a mother will try her best to give all the best for her kids. The message of the film is beautiful and every parent can relate to this short film.
The concept of the story is good. It has given the audience a complete meal of emotions from a 21-minute film. The plots keep pounding on the positive feels and then decrease the happiness increasing the intensity. This style of presenting the plots has kept me hooked to the story and it also made me become more attached to the story. It is perfectly paced giving excitement to the film. The story is well written. This is why Jared Jacobsen deserves two thumbs up. This story is something that will make people believe in optimism that life brings. The story is warm and positive.
Cinematography is very well done. Editing, sound, and music are all on point. The acting is superb. Everyone did a stellar job. All praises to Anthia Gillick! Her acting extends to the feels of the viewers and made me feel her emotions in the scenes. Also, the kids are great! Alexa Reddy and Cruz Kamena are so cute and did their roles perfectly.
Watching Happy Birthday or Felicidades took my emotions to a different level. At a point, I am feeling happy and positive and then the next moment, I am feeling tense. Kudos to director Jared Jacobsen as he has made a film that has so much warmth. All of the elements are perfectly inserted in the scenes. This short film is beautifully written and perfectly presented.
