The Things We Don’t Talk About – Film Review
Adolescence might be a distant memory for some of us, and adulthood’s got its own set of curveballs, but it ain’t ever a bad time for a movie that yanks you right back into those tangled-up teenage feelings. ‘Specially when it’s not your usual sugary high school drama. This short film is a gut-puncher called “The Things We Don’t Talk About”.
Mellony Ledo co-wrote and directed “The Things We Don’t Talk About” and also stars as “Tess”. Mellony kicked off her acting career at the ripe old age of 13. In an LA acting workshop, a young filmmaker in her class lit a fire under her and she got curious about telling stories from the other side of the camera. Acting’s still her number one passion but seeing how movies get made sparked a whole new love for directing.
Mellony Ledo plays Tess, one of four friends – her, Ryan (Solomon Fezer, who also co-wrote and produced), Mia (Brooklynn Walker), and James (Akshay Gajjar) – getting together for what’s supposed to be one last night in a cabin. They’re hoping for some closure before life pulls them in different directions. But a seemingly innocent game of truth or dare (maybe more like spin the bottle with emotions) turns into a brutal unraveling of secrets, heavy guilt, and old wounds. The whole time you’re sitting there wondering, are these confessions gonna clear the air, or is this whole friendship about to shatter into a million pieces?
“The Things We Don’t Talk About” has raw nerves, unspoken accusations, and a whole lotta emotional baggage. Ledo, both as Tess feeling the weight of it all and as the director, really knows how to capture what she calls those “real, complicated emotions that people often hide.” You feel that hostility that makes you question why these folks were even friends to begin with, or why they’d even try for one last night. You think you’ve got a handle on their mess, and then BAM, another painful truth about Ryan’s toxic vibe or Mia’s haunting regret comes to light. It’s all about, as Ledo put it, “the silence between people, the words left unsaid, and the impact that silence can have.”
The whole cast does a solid job making you feel that palpable tension. You can almost taste the awkwardness and the hurt. Solomon Fezer’s Ryan really nails that unsettling presence, and Brooklynn Walker as Mia wears her regret like a heavy coat. From a purely technical side “The Things We Don’t Talk About” was impressive. The cinematography and sound mixing were well done, creating that intimate, almost claustrophobic feel. The ambient lighting set a definite mood, but sometimes it felt a little too dark. I think it could’ve used a touch more light on those actors’ faces to catch every flicker of pain and confusion.
If you’re looking for a short film that’ll make you think hard and maybe even feel a bit uncomfortable with its honesty, “The Things We Don’t Talk About” is one you want to catch on the festival circuit. Mellony Ledo has got a keen talent, especially for someone so young who’s already exploring such raw and compelling scenes. As Mellony herself said, storytelling for her “isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about being brave enough to ask the hard questions.” It’s a gripping and emotionally charged piece. Maybe a little more context on their shared history including the good times could’ve twisted the knife even more, but that open-ended finish leaves you thinking. This isn’t for audiences looking for a feel-good resolution, but if you appreciate a story that delves more into the emotional and psychological baggage and makes you ponder those conversations you are too scared to have, then check out what this bold, promising director is doing. Mellony Ledo is certainly one to watch.
