Looking Through the Trees
Grief is a sad dream that many find very difficult to wake up. It holds us collided with emotions and memories of the ones we lost, not knowing that we are losing a part of ourselves with every day we continue to hold on. Our featured short film, “Looking Through The Trees” created by Justin Morfin, takes us on an emotionally gripping drama about life and death and the true meaning of living despite losing that one person that means the most in your life.
Director/writer Justin Morfin delivers us the story of Jake, young, a father to a daughter, a widow, and struggling to cope with the loss of his wife. The story began in a group therapy session; where people who have experienced or are experiencing grief, depression, and struggle to cope with life’s baggage share experiences, help, and support each other to get through the ordeal and heal. Jake has been devastated by his wife’s unfortunate and untimely death. It seemed that she left him in a hollow space with visions of her, and only her, but filled with so many questions she wouldn’t answer.
Stuck in his agony from her loss, Jake is losing the will to live. Neglecting other reasons to survive, rejecting all the means to move forward, Jake is losing control of his life and dragging his daughter Abbey down the spiral of depression. However, life may have its downs, but it also has its unexpected ways of showing us the light to get out of the darkness. It leaves it up to us on when and how we are going to follow through. And in Jake’s case, he is already surrounded by these lights, who are just waiting for him to open his eyes and heart. But will it be too late for him? Will he leave his daughter Abbey in the same darkness? Better catch this wonderful drama if you see scheduled streamings online or in festivals near you because I assure you that it delivers a beautiful story that we can all learn from.
What I mostly like about this short film is its human factor. It makes us realize the importance of each side of the story. From Jake’s perspective and how he came into terms with himself and the help he needed, and the instrumental people that helped him come to his senses and come out of the darkness that has been blinding him. Aside from its valuable story. I also appreciate the strong emotional connection of our lead actor, James Drake Coleman, as he portrays Jake. I commend his effort and passion in delivering Jake’s ordeal in a very compelling way. The cast also executed their impressive part in imparting the vital message of the film. And anyone who gets to watch this will surely feel the heart that everyone put into conveying the essence of being that authentic human to others.
Even in small ways, because we don’t know how it can impact the lives of those who needed it most. Great work to Justin Morfin and his team for delivering a movie indeed worthy of watching.
