‘Rendezvous’ tells the story of a relationship that has grown from what seemed to be love, to an act of ruthless revenge. Catalina (played by Katarina Morhacova) and Zachary (played by Mike Sutton) are married, but from the first glimpse at their relationship, one can understand that something is wrong. The way they talk, the way they act around each other indicates a certain coldness. It looks like there is something other than love that keeps them together in a bond no one wishes to be in. Catalina leaves the house on some personal business, and she informs Zachary before doing so. But this is far from being a standard free time, and soon we will find out that a devious plan is put together only to make her disappear. Catalina feels that something terrible will happen, and she tries to turn the whole situation around. Will it be successful? There is only one way to find out.
In this short, director Seth Kozak manages to tell a story in a distinctive way. The narrative is an emotional rollercoaster that will take you from suspicion to panic and then directly to surprise at a breakneck pace. There are surprising events at every step, perfectly tailored to satisfy the viewers. The dialogue is also crafted to say a lot with very few words when the scene calls for it. One example is a scene from the hotel dining room where Catalina has an awkward encounter with another visitor. The dialogue is tight and cryptic, boosting the adrenaline in the veins of the spectator.
Katarina Morhacova playing the role of Catalina, a wife who feels that things take an unexpected turn, is hugely satisfying to watch. In the beginning, she appears like the unsuspecting victim of something terrible, but then she becomes the hero without a cape. For a short film, it is remarkable how the characters have more than enough time to evolve and create a backstory only from the decisions they take in crucial moments. Seth Kozak perfectly designs the lines of dialogue and the overall mimic, which makes us understand the characters better. The score blends into a mix of power and surprise, followed by the ‘Running up the hill’ from Placebo that is the cherry on top this short deserves!
Written by Vlad A. G.