Countdown
Drama, Short Films, 24-May-2022
A young woman tries to embrace her sexuality while beginning to question the intimacy with her best friend. Lucy Blumenfield & Arielle Friedman direct “Countdown,” a tender snapshot that finds two friends at different stages of sexual expression. A bedroom conversation establishes Julia as the free spirit, openly discussing periods, boobs, and letting guys come inside her. Olive wishes she was as open to discuss these matters, but is still finding her way. As the friends get ready for a party, Julia concocts a possible hook-up with Olive and Griffin, but the plan begins to unravel as Olive finds herself in a moment of confusion. The film authentically captures a young female friendship with specificity and naturalism, locking into a tricky tonal balance between innocence, frustration, and longing. -KA. Writer, director: Lucy Blumenfield & Arielle Friedman. Starring: Olivia Nikkanen, Arielle Friedman & Daniel Puig. Director of Photography: Grace Gallagher. Editor: Lucy Blumenfield. Producers: Naomi Rubin, Arielle Friedman, & Lucy Blumenfield. Score: Giullian Gioiello. Colorist: Zack Chalmers.