There comes a time when youth fades away and nothing gets left behind but illness and hardship. It is in these moments of hardship that one starts to feel socially isolated and forced to find creative means to adapt to a self-sufficient life of solitude. It is also this moment that awakens the memory of death which no longer inspires fear but is rather embraced as a relief.
Allanna Ward’s short film ‘Everything Must Go‘ focuses on Elle’s life, an old widow that struggles with her aggravating symptoms of multiple sclerosis. As she feels her condition is getting worse she plans on clearing the house of the old belongings and leaving everything else to her young easygoing flatmate Henri. To get rid of the old stuff she calls Anne, a young vintage shop owner to take them away. As they meet each other, Henri and Anne will find themselves endowed with a greater burden: that of helping Elle. All characters in ‘Everything Must Go’ are prisoners of their own habits of living. While Elle is pushed by her circumstances to accept her situation and overcome her limitations, Anne and Henri are still entrapped each by their personal perspective over life. This is going to be their journey for maturation. Allanna Ward’s film is a debate on the youth’s unbound way of living versus their introverted tendencies on feeding on others’ experiences instead of gathering their own. But it is also a peek on old age and the troubles that come along with it.
‘Everything Must Go’ is particularly valuable through its talent of putting youthfulness and old age face to face and raising the issue of youth’s unawareness of its more ruthless peer. Is it a wake up call? Is it an urge for wise up? Or is it just a simple mirroring of facts? It is for each and everyone to collect their own teachings. The director makes proof of a maturated mind and a good understanding of psychologies in accordance with the age they reached.
As serious as it may sound, ‘Everything Must Go’ has its own funny parts making it very humane. This is an enjoyable short film bringing a moment of reflection on human condition during the process of growing old.
TMFF RATING:
Share:
